One in Five German Companies Faces Growing Threats from Hybrid Attacks in 2026

A significant portion of German companies are grappling with the rising challenge of hybrid threats in 2026, which include cyberattacks, disinformation, espionage, and sabotage. A survey conducted by the Institute of the German Economy (IW), encompassing responses from 1,041 firms, revealed that approximately 20% of companies in Germany have directly felt the impact of these complex threats originating from abroad.

Larger companies, particularly those with over 250 employees, are reported to experience these hybrid threats more acutely. The most vulnerable sectors are information and communication, followed by energy and water supply, as well as waste management. These hybrid threats involve a mixture of military, economic, intelligence, and propaganda tactics, which also aim to influence public opinion, especially during election periods.

Siemens-Energy CEO Christian Bruch highlighted that the threat landscape has intensified markedly over the past 12 to 18 months, urging the establishment of a civilian operations plan to effectively manage crises impacting critical infrastructures such as electricity, water, and food supply. Despite many companies increasing their investments in IT security and digital infrastructure, the survey found that only a small fraction have strengthened their energy supply security or devised comprehensive emergency plans for critical infrastructure failures.

Further challenges include insufficient communication between companies and security authorities, as well as inconsistent regulations. Although the KRITIS-Dachgesetz, a law enacted in March aimed at bolstering the physical protection of critical facilities in Germany, is in place, it has yet to meet the demanded standards. The IW warns that inadequate preparedness could destabilize both economic and societal functions, leading to significant financial costs, heightened uncertainty, and potential production losses.

This evolving landscape of hybrid threats requires enhanced defensive strategies and cooperative efforts to secure essential economic sectors and infrastructures from increasingly sophisticated external threats.