Inhalt
The Alliance for Cyber Security is an initiative of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) in Germany, which was launched in 2012. The aim of the Alliance is to inform companies, authorities and other institutions in Germany about current cyber threats and security measures. The alliance offers a platform for the exchange of information and experience as well as training and support in the implementation of security measures.
What is the Alliance for Cybersecurity (ACS)?
The Alliance for Cyber Security (ACS) was founded in 2012 by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). It serves as a central platform on which companies, authorities, organizations and associations can cooperatively exchange information in order to better protect their IT infrastructure against cyber threats. The aim is to raise awareness of cyber risks and to develop and disseminate practical security measures. The Alliance offers a strong network with almost 8,000 participants (as of 2024). Through its partners and experts, it provides resources to help SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in particular to arm themselves against increasingly complex threats.
Why should you participate in the Alliance?
Participants benefit from several advantages:
- Current threat analyses and warnings: CERT-Bund regularly provides information on security vulnerabilities and incidents. This is invaluable for companies to be able to react in good time.
- Training and awareness-raising measures: The ACS regularly organizes workshops, training courses and conferences to inform participants about current trends and defence strategies.
- Best practices and security guidelines: Guides and instructions, often based on real cases, provide companies with concrete help on how to improve their IT security.
- Networking opportunities: The exchange between companies, authorities and research institutions makes it possible to learn from each other and jointly develop solutions for current challenges
How do you become a participant?
Participation in the Alliance is free of charge and open to all companies and institutions based in Germany that want to strengthen their cyber defenses. The registration process takes place online via the ACS website and there are no special technical requirements to become a member. The focus is on collaboration and knowledge sharing.
What specific advantages does Allianz offer?
The Alliance supports its members in several areas:
- Real-time security alerts: Companies are informed about newly discovered vulnerabilities, threats and attacks so that they can take immediate protective measures.
- Cyber security checks: These checks allow companies to assess their current security measures and identify gaps.
- Workshops and events: Regular events such as the Cyber Security Days offer further training and networking at the highest level. Current forms of attack and defense measures are dealt with in depth here.
What are the current threats and how is Allianz dealing with them?
The threat situation in the area of cyber security is highly dynamic. The biggest challenges include
- Ransomware: Attackers use malware to encrypt data and demand a ransom. Such attacks have increased massively in recent years and are primarily aimed at SMEs.
- Supply chain attacks: Attacks on the supply chain in which vulnerabilities at suppliers are exploited to compromise larger companies.
- Insider Threats: Employees or former employees always pose a risk, either through negligence or malicious intent.
The ACS responds to these threats by developing specific recommendations for action and scenarios for companies. For example, strategies for regular data backups and the creation of a strong backup infrastructure are recommended as part of ransomware defense.
What successes has the alliance achieved so far?
Since its foundation, the ACS has had a significant influence on the topic of cyber security in Germany:
- Increasing security awareness: SMEs in particular, which often do not have their own IT security resources, were able to develop a better understanding of cyber risks through the alliance.
- Cooperation and knowledge exchange: The platform has taken on a central role in the exchange of information between companies, authorities and research institutions.
- Increasing resilience: Through targeted training and best practice examples, many companies have been able to significantly improve their cyber defenses and become more resistant to attacks.
In summary, the Alliance for Cyber Security offers a wide range of support services for companies of all sizes. In a world where cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and more complex, joining the ACS is an important step towards protecting your IT infrastructure and increasing your resilience to cyber threats.
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