Shortfacts - September 2021

Catastrophic IT security?

Following a serious cyber attack, the district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld has declared a state of emergency. As a result of the attack, the district's administration was virtually shut down for two weeks. Many citizens suffered directly from the short-term consequences. However, the medium and long-term effects are potentially even more devastating: if such basic tasks can no longer be fulfilled, this calls into question the fundamental efficiency of the state.

The events therefore have the potential to severely damage the trust of citizens. After such attacks, some may reflexively blame digitalization. This is the wrong approach: we will no longer be able to manage without digital processes in the future. But it is time to finally get them right.