- Faeser and Poseck embark on a "security expedition" across Hesse
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) and Hessian counterpart Roman Poseck (CDU) toured security facilities in Hesse, discussing cybercrime. Faeser counted Hesse as one of Germany's leaders in combating cybercrime, thanks to places like the CyberCompetenceCenter (Hessen3C) in Wiesbaden.
Hessen3C aids public institutions, municipalities, and small to medium-sized enterprises in mitigating cyber-disabled IT systems and ransomware attacks. It also provides training to prevent such incidents.
Three-tier collaboration
Cybercrime has become "particularly significant" in Germany since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Faeser. Combating it requires cooperation between the three levels of the federal government, states, and municipalities. Cyberattacks in Germany have seen an increase in both frequency and sophistication, with most originating abroad, Faeser said.
Collaboration between BSI and Hessen3C
Poseck explained that the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and Hessen3C collaborate closely. The BSI's expansion is supported, and upcoming competence enhancements are anticipated. In April, Poseck mentioned a possible change in the basic law regarding cyberattack prevention, should necessary consultations between the federal government and states reveal such a need.
Establishment of Hessen3C
Approximately five years ago, Hessen3C, located in the Ministry of the Interior in Wiesbaden, was founded. It's situated in Wiesbaden's former hospital within an old barrack and houses around 50 employees, including a 24/7 hotline for affected municipalities and businesses. In case of an emergency, it can equip communities with a rolling rack containing 20 laptops for a quick temporary IT restart.
Markus Wiegand of Hessen3C stated that cyber attackers have become increasingly skilled. Formerly, a "criminal genius" was required for a cyberattack. Today, malware for encrypting IT structures can be easily purchased with a credit card on the darknet, allowing criminals to carry out ransomware attacks.
Drug smuggling methods
During a tour of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Faeser and Poseck learned about methods used for hiding drugs during transportation. Investigators showed a vehicle with a double bottom in its trunk, which could only be electronically locked and unlocked using multiple steps and switches. The expert explained that drugs like cocaine are also transported in hollow spaces of specially prepared pallets.
The illegal manufacture of firearms using 3D printing was another topic. BKA authorities have confiscated a small double-digit number of such weapons since 2020, according to a BKA spokesperson. Poseck stated that the rapid technological and digital advancements are "alarming," and law enforcement must keep pace.
In Frankfurt, Faeser and Poseck visited the "Innovation Hub" of the Hessian police, where 110 police officers work with programmers to improve police work with technology. The staff demonstrated a criminal complaint app to Faeser.
The "operative defense center" deals with organized crime and its related activities, like ATM explosions, arms trafficking, and money laundering. Employees in this center possess tools like CAT, which can decode and translate encrypted communication.
In the "forensics street," data from phones and computers can be secured and analyzed more efficiently. The lab receives evidence from all over Hesse, particularly in the area of child pornography. Faeser was "impressed" by Hesse's notable contribution to modern and connected police work.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it, the increase in cyberattacks in Germany is a serious concern. Despite the efforts of the Federal Office for Information Security and initiatives like Hessen3C, the sophistication and frequency of these attacks have significantly escalated, making collaboration between different levels of government crucial.
