Germany Prepares for Cybersecurity Challenges Ahead of February Elections

The Federal Office for Information Security warns of intensified cyber threats as it gears up to protect the upcoming Bundestag elections.

Cybercriminals in Germany have become more sophisticated, with 309,000 new malware variants detected daily, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.
The BSI is focusing on securing the election process against hacking and disinformation campaigns, particularly from foreign actors like Russia.
Ransomware attacks have increased, affecting various sectors, though recent international efforts have disrupted some criminal groups.
Critical infrastructure improvements have been noted, with 140 operators enhancing their IT security, though vulnerabilities remain in systems like VPNs and firewalls.
Deepfakes and social media manipulation are highlighted as significant threats to public perception and electoral integrity.