According to the German digital association, the damage from the theft of IT equipment and data, as well as from digital and industrial espionage and sabotage, will be 206 billion euros ($ 224 billion) for Germany in 2023.
This is the third year in a row, when the damage exceeds 200 billion euros. The data is based on a BitKom poll, in which more than 1000 companies participated.
Bitkom President Ralph Wintererst said: “The German economy is a highly attractive goal for criminals and hostile states. The boundaries between organized crime and actions under state control are erased.”
The survey showed that about three quarters of the companies surveyed collided with digital attacks over the past 12 months. This is less than 84% in the previous year. “A slight decrease in the number of companies is a positive signal that protective measures are valid,” said Wintererst.
Moreover, 52% of companies said that “cyber attacks threaten the existence of their business.” A year ago, this figure was 45%, and two years ago – only 9%.
Among the companies that have encountered attacks, 70% reported the theft of confidential data. Also, 61% of the companies were surveived by their digital communications.
Sinan Selene, president of the Federal Constitution Protection Institution, emphasized the importance of cooperation to confront kiybratams, rapid response and reaction to attacks, as well as constant adaptation of protective mechanisms.