05-Apr-2023

New study: Defense against cyber attacks is a top priority

Almost one in ten companies in Germany was affected by an IT security incident last year - this is the result of a representative Ipsos survey commissioned by the TÜV Association among 501 companies with 10 or more employees. IT security officers, including senior cybersecurity experts, IT managers and members of senior management, were interviewed for "The TÜV Cybersecurity Study".

IT security has reached top management

The incidents involved successful cyberattacks or other security-related incidents such as acts of sabotage or hardware theft - usually with serious consequences. Because in addition to the inaccessibility of services, leakage of sensitive data or production downtime, many companies report above all severe damage to their reputation. And despite the daily news of cyber attacks and increasing awareness, it is still too often stated: "The company was not able to protect itself sufficiently". However, the study also shows that defending against cyberattacks is now a top priority for German companies. The majority of respondents invest in knowledge, practical tests and protective hardware and software. Cybersecurity is perceived by more and more companies as business-critical and protective measures as a competitive advantage. This also shows that IT security is no longer just a topic for IT departments, but has reached top management.

Comprehensive security against malware

According to the TÜV study, the dominant types of attack are phishing and ransomware. Internet surfing in particular harbors numerous opportunities for attack. Virtualized browsers, such as the R&S®Browser in the Box developed with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), close the security gap by providing a "digital quarantine" for cyber attacks. The central mechanism is a hardened system: This system and the browser are separated from each other, so the malware remains isolated and cannot send data to the network or reload additional code. The mechanism protects not least against attacks via e-mail attachments. But software providers can also no longer tap into users' behavioral data. For users, meanwhile, there are no restrictions of any kind on Internet use.

The virtualization of the microphone and webcam also makes web conferences secure and prevents unauthorized access to the camera or microphone. The restart of the browser, by the way, always takes place in a virus-free state.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 14,400 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Networks & Cybersecurity

With its subsidiaries LANCOM Systems, Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity, and Rohde & Schwarz SIT, the group has bundled its expertise in one division. Know-how that is needed to become the largest provider of network and cybersecurity technology for companies, public authorities, and organizations in Europe.