26-Jan-2021

BSI anniversary: 30 years of IT security in Germany

Since its founding on Jan. 1, 1991, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has been shaping secure digitization in Germany as a central competence center.

And a lot has changed in the last 30 years. The Internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives - both professional and private. But the types of attacks have also changed constantly over the past 30 years. We provide an overview of 30 years of IT security in Germany and explain how you can easily protect your IT infrastructure.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) deals with all issues relating to IT security in the information society. The BSI's goal is to enable and promote the secure use of information and communication technology in our society. The BSI was founded on January 1, 1991 and is part of the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Since 2005, the BSI has also published an annual report on the state of IT security in Germany. And here it quickly becomes clear how much the threat situation has changed:

Antivirus programs offered protection against cyberattacks in the past

In 2005, the BSI was still urgently warning against malware such as viruses, worms and Trojan horses. Antivirus programs were the means of choice to protect against the growing number of attacks. Today, attackers have become more sophisticated, as have IT security solutions. In 2020, the Emotet malware continued to dominate, enabling a cascade of other malware attacks, up to and including targeted ransomware attacks. The emergence of new malware variants in the fall and winter was above average (daily growth was at times close to 470,000 variants). Even independently of Emotet, ransomware remains one of the biggest threats to companies, public authorities and other institutions, as well as private users.

What technical measures protect against malware today?

But authorities and companies are not helpless in the face of this growing threat. After all, IT security providers are also constantly developing new protection concepts. For example, the R&S®Browser in the Box, which enables secure surfing in a virtual environment. Users are given a virtual machine that is separate from the operating system, with a hardened operating system and a web browser encapsulated inside. By separating the Internet from the internal network, malware cannot penetrate the base operating system, but is isolated in the virtual environment. Any infection of the separated virtual machine is eliminated each time the browser is started by reverting to a signed initial state. The result: cost-efficient, worry-free browsing at full performance.

Last but not least, the pandemic will continue to drive digitization forward, presenting us with new challenges. In order to enter into a joint discussion about current issues and approaches to solutions in information security and to celebrate the 30th anniversary, the BSI is organizing a digital conference from February 2 to 4, 2021 under the motto "Germany. Digital. Secure. 30 Jahre BSI”. A variety of creative, practical and comprehensible expert presentations as well as a panel discussion will be broadcast via livestream.

Accordingly, the BSI would like to enter into a digital conversation about current issues and solution approaches in information security. Live presentations and virtual booths will bring 30 years of IT security in Germany to life. Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity will also be digitally on site: Learn more about proactive security solutions and feel free to contact our experts.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Networks & Cybersecurity

With its subsidiaries LANCOM Systems, Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity, and Rohde & Schwarz SIT, the group has bundled its expertise in one division. Know-how that is needed to become the largest provider of network and cybersecurity technology for companies, public authorities, and organizations in Europe.