Editorial: “Unfortunately only partially ready for defense”

Other signals are less conspicuous. The public usually hears about them only once a year, when the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) publishes its annual report. Or when a cyberattack has tangible consequences, as happened last September when a ransomware attack on a service provider caused major disruptions at several airports. Such incidents show that we are vulnerable and, unfortunately, only “partially prepared” to defend ourselves. But they also demonstrate that effective protection of critical infrastructures must consider the entire value chain.

The VDE is addressing this topic not only in the current issue of VDE Dialog. We have also decided to establish the new VDE Defense division – driven by the conviction that a country’s civilian security and its ability to defend itself no longer depend solely on its armed forces. Engineers contribute by making systems more robust, reducing technological dependencies, and strengthening the resilience of both digital and physical infrastructures. Societal security – and this is what the VDE stands for as a technology organization – arises from well-designed technologies, standards, research, and an understanding of complex systemic interconnections. Modern civilian as well as military security means reducing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited – and thus protecting the lifelines of society long before damage occurs.

I wish you an insightful read of this issue. May it provide impulses for discussions about security, responsibility, and the role of technology in our society.

Ansgar Hinz

Chief Executive Officer of the VDE