German Businesses Heighten Cybersecurity Awareness Amid Rising AI and Cyberattack Risks in 2026

Cybersecurity remains the foremost concern for German companies in 2026, driven by escalating cyberattack threats and increasing AI-related risks. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2026, 42% of respondents worldwide identified cyber risks as the top threat to businesses, marking the fifth consecutive year cyber threats have led the risk rankings. Artificial Intelligence has surged to the second-highest concern globally, with 32% of surveyed companies highlighting its operational, legal, and reputational challenges. In Germany specifically, cyberattacks and business interruptions top the risk list, followed by legislative changes now entering third place, reflecting growing uncertainty from regulatory and political developments.

The report underscores the importance of adapting to a rapidly shifting threat landscape, exacerbated by AI advances and geopolitical tensions. Michael Bruch of Allianz emphasized the evolving complexity of cyber risks and the increasing dependence on third parties for critical data. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and resulting trade restrictions have significantly disrupted supply chains, affecting global imports valued at approximately $2.7 trillion.

To counter these challenges, the Hochsauerlandkreis region is launching the "Cybersicherheit im HSK" series in February 2026. This seven-part event will offer 15 expert presentations from industry and academia focusing on rising cyber threats and practical protective strategies. The inaugural session on February 10 will address employee awareness and cybercrime prevention, featuring speakers from the Landeskriminalamt NRW and SoSafe. Targeted primarily at small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing, craft, and IT sectors, the series seeks to strengthen business resilience through improved knowledge and culture around cybersecurity.

Oliver Dülme, managing director of the Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Hochsauerlandkreis mbH, highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity as a competitive factor and urged early investment in digital protection to safeguard value creation and future viability. This initiative echoes the pressing need revealed by the Allianz survey for German companies to bolster defenses amid a dynamic and increasingly risky operational environment shaped by technological innovation and external political factors.