Germany’s newly appointed cybersecurity chief, Claudia Plattner, has issued a warning, emphasizing the urgent need for the country to bolster its defenses against a surge in cyberattacks targeting hospitals, local government authorities, and businesses.
Plattner, who previously served as the director general for information systems at the European Central Bank (ECB), recently assumed the role of president of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). In a formal presentation in Berlin, she highlighted the increasing attacks on Germany’s critical infrastructure and specifically mentioned the rising threats from Russia, China, and Iran.
To address the escalating cyber threats, Germany’s Minister for the BSI, Nancy Faeser, is seeking to empower the cybersecurity agency with additional authorities. Currently, the BSI is limited to providing administrative assistance in the event of an attack.
The move to enhance the agency’s powers aims to strengthen Germany’s cybersecurity defenses and protect the nation’s security interests.
Plattner, a 49-year-old trained mathematician with master’s degrees in mathematics and applied mathematics, joined the BSI in the aftermath of a scandal surrounding the departure of the former BSI president, Arne Schönbohm.
Schönbohm faced allegations of associations with a business connected to Russian intelligence services. He was suspended in October 2022 after a satirical TV show exposed his involvement in delivering a speech at a trade association that included a Russian company with ties to the KGB and President Vladimir Putin.
Although a subsequent report in Der Spiegel contradicted several allegations made in the TV show, including the nature of Schönbohm’s speech, the incident raised concerns about potential undue influence and prompted a thorough examination of the allegations. Schönbohm was removed from office before the investigation concluded.
He has since been transferred to the Federal Academy for Public Administration (BAköV), where he serves as the President and Special Representative for the modernization of the training landscape.
Plattner’s appointment as Germany’s cybersecurity chief comes at a crucial time, as the country faces a significant increase in cyberattacks.
With her expertise and the proposed additional powers for the BSI, Germany aims to fortify its defenses and protect its critical infrastructure from cyber threats originating from Russia, China, and Iran.
