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National Partnership for Security in Cyberspace – Alliance for Cyber Security as a central information platform An Interview with Dr Hartmut Isselhorst of the BSI on the Alliance for Cyber Security secuview: The new Alliance for Cyber Security was founded by the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security) and BITKOM at the annual CeBIT trade show in March 2012. What was the reason for setting up such an organisation Dr Hartmut Isselhorst: Internet technologies in recent years have led to major advances in the IT and telecommunications industry. Indeed, information technology has penetrated virtually all areas of our lives and every sector of the economy, making them an integral part of cyberspace today. As a result, value-added processes in the ‘real world’ are inextricably linked to the virtual world and are barely conceivable today without it. The challenge of making cyberspace more secure can now only be met through the combined efforts of business and industry, academia and the government. The Alliance for Cyber Security reflects this need for cooperation and serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field. Indeed, lasting security can only be achieved if we continually revise our strategies for preventing, recognising and responding to security threats and the evolving methods of cyber criminals. secuview: The Alliance’s members include partners and members. How many companies joined the Alliance in 2012, and what are the main reasons for which individuals and business partners seek membership Dr Hartmut Isselhorst: We received an overwhelmingly positive response to the Alliance for Cyber Security, even „The Alliance offers a variety of services, including issuing warnings about current cyber threats, identifying best practices, unifying industry standards and providing security solutions for systems currently in use.“ during the pilot phase. Since then, other noteworthy cyber security experts have joined our ranks, meaning that more than 200 companies and organisations – including 50 of partners – were active members of the Alliance for Cyber Security at the beginning of 2013. The Alliance offers a variety of services, including issuing warnings about current cyber threats, identifying best practices, unifying industry standards and providing security solutions for systems currently in use, as well as providing general recommendations on the se- Dr Hartmut Isselhorst, man in charge at the Department of Cyber Security of the BSI cure use of IT components. In addition to the above, the BSI publishes up-todate information regarding the ongoing security situation in cyberspace, thus enabling institutions to modify their activities accordingly. In order for this information to be as complete as possible, partners and individual members in the Alliance are also encouraged to report their own knowledge and findings regarding cyber attacks to the BSI. Finally, alongside acting as a central hub for information distribution, the Alliance seeks to promote direct knowledge exchanges in smaller groups such as in regional and industrial working groups or informal meetings. secuview: What security threats do you expect to emerge over the next few years, and what measures will the Alliance be implementing to counter them Dr Hartmut Isselhorst: The growing trend of using information services on the move is going to have a knock-on 04 » 1 | 2013
National effect on cyberspace security threats. Smartphones and tablets are now established internet terminals, and their position in the market has been strengthened by their integration into corporate IT systems – both formally and through BYOD policies. This has increased the attraction of these devices to cyber criminals and malware developers. The topic of ‘mobile malware’ will therefore remain on the agenda for the foreseeable future. Other organisations The Alliance for Cyber Security was established in March 2012 by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and BITKOM. This joint initiative acts as a platform for the sharing of information and experiences in the general area of cyber threats. At the international level, it promotes cross-border collaboration with other Alliance partners. BSI Government agencies Multipliers Businesses We are also preparing for attacks and attempted attacks against specific companies or institutions. Cyberspace is an attractive point of attack for criminals because it provides easy access to potential targets and a myriad of opportunities for deception, as well as an incredibly diverse range of vulnerabilities which can be exploited. We expect hackers to draw on their experiences of launching targeted attacks in recent years to further improve their methods and carry out increasingly sophisticated attacks. We are also anticipating some positive developments, however. Indeed, whilst companies are still very reticent to disclose information about cyber attacks on their own systems, the BSI is increasingly hearing from companies willing to share their experiences in small groups. If this trend continues, it will most certainly help to raise user awareness and provide a more complete picture of the current security situation, thus serving to boost cyberspace’s ‘immune system’ over the long term. secuview: Nowadays, the entire world is connected via the internet, and so attacks can be carried out from far beyond our national borders. Will the BSI also be working with the Alliance to contact and exchange information with other groups internationally Dr Hartmut Isselhorst: The international exchange of knowledge and expertise is indispensable when it comes to cyber security. Within the Alliance for Cyber Operators of critical infrastructures Partners Security, this is achieved not only through the BSI’s various international partnerships, but also through the crossborder activities of the Alliance’s partner companies. The knowledge and expertise gained through this international cooperation contributes a great deal to the „In light of the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from companies involved in the Alliance for Cyber Security in 2012, we intend to continue implementing and building upon the organisation’s activities in 2013.“ Alliance’s work and is always analysed and shared in such a way that it benefits all members as much as possible. In practical terms, the Alliance for Cyber Security’s partners and key communicators can also contribute by upholding knowledge exchange between the Alliance and international groups or initiatives abroad. secuview: One final question: What’s next for the Alliance in 2013 Dr Hartmut Isselhorst: In light of the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from companies involved in the Alliance for Cyber Security in 2012, we Other institutions of particular interest to the state (INSI) intend to continue implementing and building upon the organisation’s activities in 2013. In my view, it is important to always keep in mind the expectations that are communicated to the BSI in the course of major events and private discussions. This is why we will be organising more industry-specific events for various target groups in 2013 – to raise awareness of cyber security issues on the one hand, and to maintain a direct dialogue with and between companies on the other. We have started the ball rolling this year with the first ever Cyber Security Day for members of the Alliance in January. In February, this event has been followed by a major conference in partnership with the logistics industry and knowledge exchange across different sector. We also have several other events in the pipeline. In addition to the above, I am very much looking forward to the numerous contributions recently announced by our partners which will create significant added value for all of the Alliance for Cyber Security’s members. secunet is a partner company in the Alliance for Cyber Security and draws on the extensive knowledge and expertise of its IT security specialists to support the organisation’s members. 1 | 2013 « 05
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