IT and cybersecurity

type: Article , Topic: IT & Internet policy

Key elements of our society are interconnected through digital networks, while our jobs and trade depend on information technology and the Internet.

Three-quarters of Germans today use the Internet; many government and business processes and tasks rely on IT. Today, you can send and receive mail, shop and communicate in the virtual world just as in the real world. We have become highly dependent on functioning IT and secure information infrastructure. Cyber crime poses an increasing threat to this infrastructure. This is why the Federal Government has made IT security a top priority. Because an IT failure could compromise Germany’s internal security, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community is also responsible for IT security.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior works with the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) to provide appropriate IT security.

Safeguarding security in cyberspace and protecting critical information infrastructure are vital concerns of the 21st century and require a high level of government commitment. Germany’s Cyber Security Strategy was adopted on 23 February 2011. This strategy called for establishing the National Cyber Response Centre and the National Cyber Security Council, among other things.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior sponsors the association Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V., which seeks to educate small and medium-sized enterprises, children, young people and adults of all ages about issues of IT security.

Global networks are becoming more and more interconnected, so that incidents in other countries may affect IT security in Germany as well. For this reason, the Federal Government is working with its international partners to improve cross-border IT security, especially within the EU, but we also work with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Group of 8 (G 8).

De-Mail: As easy as e-mail and as secure as the post

With the system known as De-Mail, electronic messages are sent in encrypted form, with protection and proof that they were sent. It’s as easy as e-mail.

With the system known as De-Mail, electronic messages are sent in encrypted form, with protection and proof that they were sent. It’s as easy as e-mail. But unlike e-mail, De-Mail makes it possible to verify the identity of sender and receiver and provides confirmation that the message was sent and received. The content of De-Mail messages cannot be read or altered while they are being sent over the Internet, because secure registration and connections as well as encrypted channels ensure the confidential transmission and delivery of De-Mail messages. In this way, De-Mail offers more secure electronic communication than regular e-mail and helps prevent spam and phishing.

The De-Mail Act, which entered into force on 3 May 2011, sets the minimum standards for secure electronic communications. The Act also ensures orderly procedures for checking compliance with these standards, which apply to all De-Mail providers. This is important for creating trust in the security and quality of De-Mail services.

No matter which De-Mail provider you choose, a uniform, tested security standard is guaranteed. The law also makes sure that all De-Mail users can be reached by all other De-Mail providers.

The Federal Office for Information Security has certified 1&1 De-Mail GmbH, Mentana-Claimsoft GmbH, T-Systems International GmbH and Telekom Deutschland GmbH as De-Mail providers.

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