Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has signaled a significant shift in the nation’s cybersecurity and defense strategy, advocating for a more aggressive posture against escalating hybrid attacks targeting German businesses and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a security summit in Berlin, Dobrindt argued that current defensive measures, primarily redirection and mitigation, are insufficient in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats.
“We are currently merely diverting cyberattacks and thereby deflecting them. In my view, this is no longer adequate” Dobrindt stated. He revealed plans to expedite legal frameworks that will permit Germany to actively disrupt and, if necessary, damage the infrastructure – including servers and software – of entities launching attacks, irrespective of their location. This represents a notable departure from previous approaches that largely prioritized passive defense.
The Interior Minister’s remarks were particularly pointed regarding the recent spate of drone sightings over sensitive locations. Dobrindt alleged evidence points to a connection with Russia’s “shadow fleet” further escalating tensions between the two countries. These observations contribute to a broader perception within the German government of a deliberate and concerted effort by foreign powers to destabilize the nation through the deployment of new technologies.
“Germany is undergoing a stress test – whether the state can withstand external threats” Dobrindt cautioned, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The escalating complexity of technological warfare poses a critical challenge to Germany’s ability to maintain security and stability.
To bolster its defenses, Germany is accelerating the establishment of a national drone defense center, integrating the expertise of the Federal Police, the Federal Criminal Office and state police agencies. Dobrindt specified a target date of mid-December for the center’s operational readiness, contingent upon the upcoming conference of state interior ministers. Critics will likely scrutinize the legal groundwork required to execute Dobrindt’s proposed offensive actions, questioning the potential for overreach and international legal ramifications. The shift towards a more proactive and potentially interventionist stance signals a deepening unease within the German government concerning the nation’s vulnerability to hybrid warfare tactics.