The picture of a constantly tense cyber security situation , which recently worsened as a result of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, is also reflected in the consumer sector.

“Consumers in particular fall victim to data theft and phishing attacks ,” said BSI Vice President Dr. Gerhard Schabhüser, who presented the BSI report on digital consumer protection in the presence of the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Dr. Christiane Rohleder, presented.

Cyber ​​security endangered by numerous gaps

The BSI has registered a large number of security gaps in digital consumer products. In addition, attempts at deception often occur when using digital services. Phishing emails, which cyber criminals use to steal passwords and other personal information, are a constant threat, particularly in the banking industry. The quality of these attacks has changed over the past year: Phishing emails are now designed so professionally that they can hardly be distinguished from legitimate email communication. Phishers also specifically exploit fears, for example in the context of the energy crisis and the payment of the energy price flat rate.

Public infrastructure at risk

However, consumers are also indirectly affected by cyber attacks, which have recently increasingly been directed against municipalities, districts and other public institutions such as schools or hospitals.

“We cannot leave consumers alone when it comes to protecting themselves from cybercrime! Digital consumer protection is a joint task. It is the responsibility of companies, IT manufacturers and public institutions to inform each other about security incidents and to exchange information. You have to use defense methods and IT security right from the start.”

BSI Vice President Dr. Gerhard Schabhüser

Dr. Christiane Rohleder, State Secretary at the BMUV, said at the event: “Cyber ​​security and digital consumer protection go hand in hand. BSI and BMUV pursue the same goals here. We welcome the BSI to protecting consumers in the digital space. Together we are committed to ensuring that consumers can act self-determined and securely in the digital space. To this end, we are creating the legal framework for greater security on the Internet and also strengthening the digital competence of consumers. Companies also have to take on significantly more responsibility. Digital offers and products must be consistently designed to be secure from the outset.”

The BSI's IT security label is intended to increase cyber security

With the IT security label, which the BSI has been awarding since 2022, manufacturers undertake to provide security updates for the respective product over the entire term of the label, to report any vulnerabilities that become known to the BSI and to resolve them immediately. The BSI's IT-Grundschutz is a proven instrument for increasing the information security of companies, authorities and municipalities. It is a method, instruction, recommendation and help for self-help. In addition to technical aspects, infrastructural, organizational and personnel issues are also considered. This enables a systematic approach to identify and implement necessary security measures.

As the federal cyber security authority, the BSI also informs and advises consumers directly and comprehensively via its website , its social media channels, a consumer newsletter and a nationwide awareness campaign. service center supports citizens who have become victims of cyber crime .

Source:

BSI
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