Russland und China nehmen deutsche Wirtschaft ins Visier | CSO Online

Russia and China Target German Economy • German companies are facing a rising number of cyberattacks, both digital and physical, with estimated damages totalling €289 billion. • 87% of surveyed companies reported at least one attack in the past twelve months, while another 10% suspect they were attacked. • 28% of companies suspect foreign intelligence agencies were involved, up from 20% the previous year and 7% in 2023. • China and Russia are cited by 46% of companies as the primary regions for espionage, sabotage, or data theft. • Artificial intelligence (AI) was used in half of the attacks, including the creation of fake damage reports. • Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from other attacks as they can disrupt both digital and physical systems. • German companies are heavily reliant on IT services and products from non-EU countries, particularly China and the United States. • Digital sovereignty means companies can independently decide which technology partners they collaborate with. • Germany is not expected to become self-sufficient or largely sovereign in key technologies within the next ten years. • The Bitkom president urges companies and government agencies to also use German IT products to strengthen digital sovereignty.