Municipalities Need to Address Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities / Daily Attacks Reach 4,000 as Per Dataport Data
In the digital age, securing infrastructure is paramount, and this is especially true for Saxony-Anhalt. The FDP state parliamentary group has underscored the importance of utilising the state's tools to safeguard digital infrastructure.
Recent statistics reveal that the state's protected systems faced 1.4 million attacks in 2024, equating to around 4,000 attacks daily. Despite a potential improvement since 2022, a hearing revealed a significant need for action to bolster IT security in municipalities.
Konstantin Pott, digital policy spokesman of the FDP state parliamentary group, emphasised this need. He highlighted recent attacks on state parliamentary groups and the state portal as evidence that everyone is at risk. Pott also underscored the importance of active participation from all municipalities to secure digital infrastructure.
To address this issue, the state has established the funding program 'Secure municipal' and an emergency hotline, CERT North. After a funded initial analysis through the 'Secure municipal' program, continuous investments in IT security are necessary.
However, the state's digital infrastructure remains vulnerable without the active participation of all municipalities. Many municipalities in Germany are not adequately prepared for cyber threats, with some lacking basic IT security concepts. In 2022, 93 percent of inspected municipalities did not have an IT security concept, 97 percent did not have an emergency handbook, and 54 percent did not have a concept for data backup.
To improve the situation, authorities propose expanded funding programs, new IT security certifications, systematic self-assessment tools, and guidance for data protection compliance. Regular employee training is also crucial, as humans remain the greatest security risk in IT.
Pott positively highlighted the state's cooperation with the Federal Office for Information Security and the establishment of professional structures. He emphasised the need for IT security concepts and emergency plans to be developed in all municipalities.
The IT security situation in municipalities varies greatly, with some well-positioned and others lacking basic security concepts. The state is moving forward with the establishment of professional structures for digital security, but the active participation of all municipalities is crucial to ensure a secure digital future for Saxony-Anhalt.
