According to the Cybersafety Monitor 2026, released by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the Program for Police Crime Prevention of the States and the Federation (ProPK), one in every ten citizens in Germany was affected by cybercrime last year. The most common form of crime reported was fraud committed during online shopping.
Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI, noted that making cybersecurity simpler and more understandable for consumers in their daily lives is essential. She stated, “Many people want to move online safely, but they need easily accessible information”. This goal can be achieved by providing guidance on safety measures for everyday digital life and by enabling educators to integrate the topic into their curriculum. Furthermore, manufacturers and providers of digital devices and applications must standardize secure products and services.
Stefanie Hinz, State Police President and Chair of the ProPK, emphasized that cybercrime has become firmly integrated into the fabric of modern society. To deprive criminals of any exploiting methods, the police are actively making their operational methods transparent. She concluded, “The combination of prevention, education, and the decisive actions of law enforcement agencies is crucial for making the digital space safer”.
While online shopping fraud, online banking scams, unauthorized access to accounts, and phishing were experienced by those affected last year, the data also revealed significant gaps in protective behavior. Only 14 percent of respondents regularly educate themselves on cybersecurity, while 40 percent only deal with the topic occasionally. Moreover, among standard protective measures, the use of strong passwords and anti-virus programs are known to more than half of respondents (55 percent and 54 percent, respectively). Despite these shortcomings, the consequences of cybercrime are tangible for victims: 88 percent reported suffering some kind of damage, with a third (33 percent) reporting financial losses.