BSI Expands Cybersecurity Cooperation with Hamburg 

Germany continues to strengthen its cybersecurity framework as the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg formalize their collaboration. The agreement, signed on February 7, at Hamburg City Hall, establishes a structured approach to cyber threat intelligence sharing, incident response coordination, and awareness initiatives for public sector employees. 

BSI Vice President Dr. Gerhard Schabhüser called for the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity across federal and state levels: 

“In view of the worrying threat situation in cyberspace, Germany must become a cyber nation. State administrations and municipal institutions face cyberattacks daily. Attacks on critical infrastructure threaten social order. Germany is a target of cyber sabotage and espionage. Our goal is to enhance cybersecurity nationwide. To achieve this, we must collaborate at both federal and state levels.” 

This partnership is part of a broader federal initiative, with BSI having previously signed cooperation agreements with Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Hesse, Bremen, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. These agreements provide a constitutional framework for joint cyber defense efforts, strategic advisory services, and rapid response measures following cyber incidents. 

With cyber threats growing in complexity, state-level cooperation plays a vital role in reinforcing Germany’s cybersecurity resilience, ensuring government agencies, public sector institutions, and critical infrastructure operators have the necessary tools and expertise to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber threats effectively. 

Addressing Digital Violence 

Days later, on February 11, BSI hosted “BSI in Dialogue: Cybersecurity and Digital Violence” in Berlin, bringing together representatives from politics, industry, academia, and civil society to address the growing risks associated with digital violence in an increasingly interconnected world. 

While cybercriminals typically operate remotely, digital violence introduces a new layer of cyber threats, where attackers exploit personal relationships, home technologies, and social connections to manipulate, monitor, or harm individuals. This includes: 

• Unauthorized access to smart home devices for spying, stalking, or harassment. 
• Misuse of digital vulnerabilities to monitor victims or leak personal data. 
• Exploitation of location tracking features to stalk or control individuals. 

The event initiated several working groups to develop strategic responses to digital violence and was mainly focused on: 

Defining Digital Violence 

• International research has varied definitions of digital violence, making it difficult to establish a legal and policy framework in Germany. 
• Experts emphasized the need for a standardized definition to develop measurement tools and track digital violence cases more effectively. 

Technical Support for Victims 

• The WEISSER RING initiative presented concepts for a technical contact point to assist victims. 
• Discussions concluded that victims and advisors need greater technical expertise to counter digital violence effectively. 

Corporate Responsibility 

• Businesses were encouraged to implement protective policies for employees and integrate security-by-design principles in their products to prevent misuse. 
• Manufacturers and service providers must take accountability for securing digital products against exploitation. 

Empowerment Through Cybersecurity Education 

• Widespread digital literacy programs can help individuals identify and mitigate digital threats. 
• BSI-led initiatives will focus on consumer awareness, IT security training, and response strategies for digital violence victims. 

Schabhüser pressed on the human aspect of cybersecurity during the meet: 

“People can only move safely in a digitalized environment if they recognize the opportunities and risks of digital technologies and can overcome challenges through their own actions.” 

BSI’s dual efforts in federal-state cybersecurity collaboration and digital violence prevention reflect Germany’s proactive stance against emerging cyber threats. As cybercriminals adapt and evolve their tactics, both government agencies and individual users must be equipped with the necessary knowledge, tools, and policies to fortify digital resilience. 

Conclusion 

Through structured cooperation, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness programs, BSI aims to build a secure and cyber-resilient society, ensuring state institutions, businesses, and individuals can operate safely in an increasingly digital world. 

References: 

• https://www.bsi.bund.de/DE/Service-Navi/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/Presse2025/250211_Kooperationsvereinbarung_Hamburg.html 
• https://www.bsi.bund.de/DE/Service-Navi/Presse/Alle-Meldungen-News/Meldungen/BSI_Dialog_Cybersicherheit-digitale-Gewalt.html 

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