Digital security must be taken seriously
After the cyber attack on the MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group, the potential danger of cybercrime became clear. On Monday, the national companies were paralyzed with over 3000 computers. Hans-Wilhelm Dünn, President of the Cyber-Sicherheitsrat Deutschland e.V., said:
“The attack shows the vulnerability of companies that are important for supplying private households. A lack of cyber protection not only destroys the business basis of retail, but also trust, reputation and consumer sentiment.”
The cyber attack on Monday ensured, among other things, that no purchase receipts were issued in the shops and purchases could only be made with cash. In view of the upcoming Black Friday and the high-sales Christmas business, this can mean a dramatic drop in sales. According to the EHI Retail Institute, more than 54 percent of all payments are now processed without cash. Hans-Wilhelm Dünn warns:
“Criminal encryption of IT systems causes more than 220 billion euros in damage per year. An attack on retail not only endangers the supply of pre-Christmas gifts, but also causes immense economic damage. Retail chains and sales outlets must protect their complex systems more professionally.”
The Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. was founded in August 2012 by well-known personalities. The Berlin-based association is politically neutral and advises companies, public authorities and political decision-makers in the field of cyber security. The association’s members include large and medium-sized companies, operators of critical infrastructures as well as federal states and federal institutions, experts and political decision-makers with a connection to cyber security. Through its members, the association represents more than three million employees from the business community and nearly two million members from associations and clubs. The Cyber Security Council Germany e.V. informs and supports its members with a wide range of services and aligns its activities with their operational and business needs.
V.i.S.d.P.: Hans-Wilhelm Dünn, Präsident, Cyber-Sicherheitsrat Deutschland e.V.
Contact: Hannes Harthun, Chief of Staff; Telefon: +49 30 / 6796 365 26, E-Mail: harthun@cybersicherheitsrat.de