Germany ups cyber-security measures in light of Ukraine war

Germany is upping its cybersecurity defences in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to plans presented on Tuesday, reported dpa.

The new measures include the introduction of a secure central video conferencing system for the federal administration, as well as a platform for the exchange of information on cyberattacks based at the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

Part of the plan involves promoting cyber resilience among small- and medium-sized enterprises if they belong to the so-called "critical infrastructure" - in other words in the sectors of transport, food, health, energy and water supply.

The IT infrastructure of the domestic intelligence agency will also be modernized, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

Sabotage and disinformation are capable of "massively and persistently impairing or even disrupting the functioning of our community and our economy," the cybersecurity paper says.

"Strengthening the cyberresilience of federal authorities, other state and civil infrastructures and especially critical infrastructure therefore cannot be delayed," the paper says.

In recent years, several major cyberattacks around the world have been traced back to hackers linked to or part of Russian intelligence services. The Kremlin denies responsibility.