Cybersecurity Concerns Persist in Germany as Public Awareness Fades
Despite the ongoing high threat level, Germans are increasingly neglecting cybersecurity measures, a recent survey reveals. The joint report by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Police Kriminal Prevention Program (ProPK) highlights the growing complacency, with only 44 percent of respondents now using two-factor authentication, a decline from the 50 percent recorded in 2023.
Although the public’s awareness of the issue is waning, the impact of cybercrimes remains significant, with two percent of the population experiencing financial losses in the past year, primarily among online banking and shopping portal users. In response, the authorities have published updated checklists for emergency situations, accessible on the official websites of the BSI and the police.
“Cybersecurity concerns all of us, privately, professionally and socially” emphasized BSI President Claudia Plattner. Baden-Württemberg’s State Police President and ProPK Chair Stefanie Hinz added, “Prevention, awareness and consistent enforcement of the law are crucial in making the digital world a safer place.” The findings are based on a survey of 3,061 individuals in February.