Ingolstadt in cyber warning mode: IT threats for Bavarian municipalities!

Ingolstadt in cyber warning mode: IT threats for Bavarian municipalities!

In today's digitized world, cyber security and digital resilience are current topics that not only deal with companies, but especially Bavarian municipalities. In this context, the annual theme day of the State Office for Security (LSI) took place in Ingolstadt, which dealt with “municipal IT security” this year. Over 80 representatives from different communities, district offices and authorities exchanged important challenges. Mayor Dorothea Deneke-Stoll welcomed the participants in the Trafohaus of the digital founding center Brigk and found worrying developments in cybersecurity in Germany. Attacks on city portals are no longer uncommon today, and increasing digitization creates new attack areas, in particular through the expansion of AI functions and cloud-based services.

"The risks arising from successful cyber attacks are serious," says Deneke-Stoll. The city administration could be severely affected if central services are no longer available for citizens due to such attacks. The city of Ingolstadt has therefore already initiated various organizational and technical measures to strengthen resilience compared to cyber incidents. In addition, a concept for risk management in municipalities was also presented as part of the theme day, which gave the participants valuable insights into the strategies of the LSI

The challenges of cyber attacks

cyber attacks represent a massive challenge for municipalities, emphasize various experts. The Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK) illustrates that effective protection against cyber dangers and efficient use of IT crises for public administration are essential. A well -organized emergency strategy helps to normalize extraordinary situations as quickly as possible and to minimize negative consequences. The close cooperation between administrative levels and IT operation is crucial to reduce the cyber dangers and contain their effects. Help in the form of trained employees, well thought -out internal structures and external services are crucial.

A current case that underlines the explosiveness of the topic is the cyber attack on the district office in Kelheim in February 2024. This incident shows how, even immensely, even immense challenges with ransomware and phishing campaigns can act on sensitive data and critical infrastructures. The last thing was found in October 2023 in North Rhine-Westphalia that digital systems were paralyzed in over 70 administrations, which illustrates how currently these threats are.

recommendations for action for digital security

In order to be prepared for the future, experts recommend increasing investment in IT security. This includes the regular update of security software and the implementation of firewalls as well as intrusion detection systems. The sensitization of employees through training on e-mail security and phishing defense is also crucial. The implementation of frequent backups of critical data can save lives, as can the exchange and cooperation with other municipalities and IT security service providers.

For more information about the current situation of IT security in Bavarian municipalities and the recommended measures, you will find the reports on DonaUkurier, Bbk and grant Thornton.