German Companies Struggle with Hybrid Cyber Threats Amid Strategic Shifts in Cybersecurity

A recent Bitkom study involving over 600 German companies has revealed a significant vulnerability in the nation's preparedness against hybrid attacks—combining physical sabotage and cyberattacks. The study showed that on average, businesses can only maintain operations for roughly 20 hours following an internet outage, with 20% ceasing work immediately. Only 8% of companies believe they can function beyond 48 hours without online connectivity. Alarmingly, 75% of respondents view Germany's overall preparedness for such hybrid threats as inadequate, and 40% of companies feel personally unprepared, with a mere 12% believing themselves well-equipped to handle these complex dangers. Despite 59% considering themselves likely targets and 61% of executive leadership prioritizing hybrid attack protection, only 10% of businesses regularly conduct crisis exercises, highlighting a critical gap between risk awareness and action. Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst emphasized the urgency of improving resilience across economy and society. Complementing this, a concurrent IDC survey of 150 IT security executives underscores a strategic transition within German companies regarding cybersecurity. Amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties, firms are evolving security architectures to not only reduce risks but also boost efficiency, trust, and innovation through automation and a focus on data integrity. Investments are increasing particularly in digital identities, security operations, and incident response, helping organizations strengthen resilience and meet mounting regulatory demands. IT service providers like CANCOM stand ready to aid companies in overcoming cybersecurity challenges. Together, these studies paint a nuanced picture: while German companies increasingly recognize cybersecurity's strategic role and are transforming approaches to meet emerging threats, significant vulnerabilities remain, especially against hybrid attacks. Bridging the gap between awareness and practical preparedness remains a critical challenge for Germany's business and infrastructure sectors.