Potsdam conference: Criticism of cyber security policy

The Potsdam Security Conference for National Cyber Security returns to the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam on June 24 and 25, 2026. At a time when digital threats are constantly increasing, this event has established itself as the central forum for cyber security in Germany.

The conference brings together leading minds from politics, business, science and civil society. Together, they discuss current challenges and develop solutions for the digital security of our society.

Europe is currently at the center of a changing world order. The new US administration is pursuing a policy that international relations changed and Direct effects on European security. In this context, the German Security policy increasingly important in the digital space.

The conference will focus in particular on strengthening Europe's digital resilience and protecting critical infrastructures from cyber attacks. The event offers a valuable platform for exchange between various stakeholders and contributes to the development of joint strategies.

Important findings

• The Potsdam Conference will take place at HPI on June 24 and 25, 2026
• It brings together experts from politics, business, science and civil society
• Current geopolitical changes influence European cyber security
• The protection of critical infrastructures is at the center of discussions
• The conference contributes to the development of common security strategies
• Digital resilience is seen as a key factor for Europe's future

Review of the Potsdam Security Conference

With its comprehensive approach, the Potsdam Security Conference a unique platform for dialog on national cyber security issues. As a central forum, it brings together the most important players from security authorities, business, science and civil society every year. The exchange between these different perspectives enables a holistic view of the current challenges in the digital space.

The conference has now established itself as one of the most important meeting places for cyber security experts in Germany. Not only are problems discussed here, but concrete solutions are also developed. The international cooperation is just as much a focus as strengthening national defense capacities.

Aims and topics of the conference

One of the main objectives of the Potsdam Security Conference was to promote dialog between different interest groups. Through the exchange between politics, business and research, synergies were to be created and joint projects developed. Defense strategies be developed. It was particularly important to develop concrete recommendations for action that can be directly incorporated into political practice.

The discussions focused on three main topics: Disinformation, artificial intelligence and cyberwar. These areas reflect the current challenges in the context of the international relations and show how closely cyber security is linked to geopolitical developments.

The participants intensively discussed the increasing threat of state-sponsored cyber attacks. It became clear that traditional Defense strategies must be rethought in the digital space. In particular, the role of artificial intelligence both as a threat and as a tool to defend against attacks was discussed controversially.

Another important aspect was the fight against disinformation campaigns, which are increasingly jeopardizing democratic processes in Germany and Europe. The experts agreed that close cooperation between state institutions and technology companies is necessary here.

Key speakers and their perspectives

One of the most prominent voices at the conference was BSI President Claudia Plattner. In her highly acclaimed presentation, she emphasized the importance of teamwork and coordination in defending against cyber attacks. "Cybersecurity is not an individual task, but requires the interaction of all social forces"said Plattner in her appeal for more cooperation.

BKA President Holger Münch presented the perspective of the law enforcement authorities. He emphasized that the fight against cybercrime can only be achieved by international cooperation can be successful. In particular, cross-border cooperation in the pursuit of hacker groups represents a key challenge.

Prof. Sandra Wachter from the University of Oxford provided a scientific perspective. She analyzed the ethical implications of AI-supported security systems and warned of possible violations of fundamental rights due to overly extensive surveillance measures. Her call for a balanced relationship between security and freedom was very well received.

Sinan Selen, Vice President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, added the intelligence dimension to the discussion. He explained how foreign actors try to gain access to sensitive information through cyber attacks and which Defense strategies Germany in the area of international relations tracked.

The different perspectives of the experts provided a comprehensive insight into the complex challenges of cyber security. The interdisciplinary exchange opened up new perspectives and innovative solutions were developed. This holistic approach makes the Potsdam Security Conference an indispensable forum for the future of digital security in Germany.

Cybersecurity on the political agenda

Cybersecurity has evolved from a marginal topic to a core area of political debate in Germany. After the 2025 federal elections, the new government faces enormous digital challenges. The increasing number of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure such as energy grids, hospitals and transport systems highlight the urgency of the issue.

At the same time, targeted disinformation campaigns that can undermine trust in democratic institutions are on the rise. These digital threats require well thought-out political responses and strategic concepts that go beyond traditional security measures.

How politicians prioritize cybersecurity

The prioritization of cybersecurity issues varies considerably between political decision-makers. Leading politicians increasingly see digital security as an essential component of modern diplomacy and as a prerequisite for economic stability. The issue has become increasingly important, especially after the recent attacks on public institutions.

Some top politicians have declared cyber security a top priority and are calling for more resources for digital defense measures. They see digital security as a decisive factor for the Peacekeeping in the 21st century. Other political players, on the other hand, have a different focus and view cyber security more as a peripheral technical issue.

The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference provided an important platform for discussing these different priorities. There is a consensus that networking between politics, business and research must be strengthened in order to develop effective strategies.

"Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue, but a central element of modern Diplomacy and Peacekeeping. Anyone who does not invest here is jeopardizing national security."

Differences between parties

The political parties in Germany take different approaches to cybersecurity. These differences reflect fundamental political philosophies and have a significant influence on the design of German cyber security policy.

While conservative parties often focus on stronger regulation and extended powers for security authorities, liberal forces prefer market-oriented solutions and voluntary commitments from industry. Left-wing parties, on the other hand, often emphasize data protection and civil rights in the digital space.

Green positions combine ecological aspects with digital security and call for sustainable IT infrastructures. These different approaches have a direct impact on international cooperation in the field of cyber security.

Harmonizing these different approaches is a key challenge for German cybersecurity policy. At the Potsdam conference, it became clear that despite party-political differences, there is a fundamental consensus on the growing importance of cyber security.

The decisive factor for the future will be how the various political forces translate their concepts into concrete measures. The development of a coherent national strategy that takes into account security aspects as well as economic interests and civil rights remains a complex task for German politics.

Progress in cyber security

Groundbreaking innovations and strategic adjustments have fundamentally transformed the cyber security industry in recent years. The digital landscape is evolving at breathtaking speed, and with it the tools and methods for protecting critical infrastructure. This development is taking place in a complex environment in which digital threats are increasingly being used as instruments in geopolitical conflicts can be used.

Technologies and innovations

The technological revolution in cyber security is largely driven by artificial intelligence. Today, AI-based detection systems can identify anomalies and potential threats before they cause critical damage. These systems continuously learn from new attack patterns and adapt their defense strategies accordingly.

The progress in encryption technologies is particularly remarkable. The development of quantum-safe cryptography is paving the way for a new era of data security. These technologies are crucial to protect sensitive information from increasingly sophisticated attacksexperts emphasize at the Potsdam Cyber Security Conference.

Automated defense mechanisms have drastically shortened the response time to threats. What used to take hours or days now often happens in seconds. These systems use advanced algorithms to detect, isolate and neutralize attacks without the need for human intervention.

The digital transformation has not only changed our economy and society, but also the nature of the threats we face. Our defense strategies must be just as innovative as the attacks themselves.

Successes and challenges of recent years

One of the greatest successes in the area of cyber security has been increased international cooperation. The formation of transnational task forces has made the fight against cybercrime more effective. Common standards and protocols facilitate the exchange of information and a coordinated response to Global challenges.

One notable step forward is the development of the European Cybersecurity Certification Framework, which sets uniform security standards for products and services in the EU. This initiative strengthens consumer confidence and promotes the digital resilience of the entire economic area.

Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. Attack methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often exploit zero-day vulnerabilities for which no defenses yet exist. Of particular concern is the use of cyber attacks as a geopolitical toolwith which state and non-state actors assert their interests.

The acute shortage of skilled workers in the cyber security sector is exacerbating the situation. According to estimates, there is a shortage of tens of thousands of qualified experts in Germany alone. Educational institutions and companies are working feverishly to close this gap, but the training of highly specialized professionals takes time.

Differing national interests and legal frameworks also make effective global cooperation difficult. While cyber attacks know no borders, defensive measures are often restricted by national legislation. Harmonizing these framework conditions remains a key task for the international community.

Strengthening Europe's digital resilience is crucial in the face of these challenges. Only through continuous innovation, international cooperation and strategic investment can Europe protect itself against hybrid threats and secure its political and economic stability in an increasingly digitalized world.

Criticism of the current measures

While the threats in the digital space are growing, there is increasing criticism of the effectiveness of existing cyber security measures. The discrepancy between theoretical concepts and their practical implementation is increasingly seen as one of the biggest weaknesses in German cyber security policy.

In particular, the question of effective Crisis management in the event of cyber attacks is at the center of the debate. Many stakeholders criticize the fact that, despite numerous initiatives and regulations, the actual ability to respond in an emergency is still inadequate.

Voices from the business world

Businesses are increasingly expressing concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of existing regulations. Representatives of SMEs in particular are expressing frustration about the complexity of the requirements.

"The current requirements are almost impossible for us to cope with," explains Thomas Meier, Managing Director of a medium-sized IT service provider. "We invest enormous resources in complying with regulations that are often impractical and prevent us from doing our actual work."

Many companies complain about the high level of bureaucracy and insufficient support when implementing security measures. Small and medium-sized companies in particular feel left alone with the requirements and demand more practicable solutions.

In a recent survey, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce found that more than 60% of the companies surveyed rate the existing regulations as too complex and cost-intensive. At the same time, there is a lack of clear guidance on effective Crisis management in the event of a cyberattack.

Opinions of security experts

Security experts take a more differentiated view of the situation. BSI President Claudia Plattner emphasizes the need for close cooperation between all parties involved:

"There's a lot that has to be played cleanly together, and we have to practise that. (...) It's important from second zero: Everyone together who is needed."

Plattner thus emphasizes that successful cyber security is less a question of individual measures, but rather depends on coordination between different players. However, this coordination must be practiced regularly in order to work in an emergency.

Other experts such as Prof. Dr. Martin Schallbruch from the Digital Society Institute, however, criticize the lack of strategic thinking: "We too often only react to incidents instead of proactively creating structures that protect our digital infrastructure in the long term."

Another point of criticism concerns the handling of state-sponsored cyber attacks. Several security experts are calling for measures to prevent digital Arms control are the same. They argue that without international agreements to limit offensive cyber capacities, a digital arms race is imminent.

"We urgently need binding international agreements on Arms control in cyberspace," explains Dr. Sven Herpig from the Stiftung Neue Verantwortung. "Without such regulations, we will end up in an endless cycle of attack and counter-attack, which will ultimately endanger the digital infrastructure of everyone involved."

The discussion clearly shows that while business representatives are primarily calling for practicable and cost-efficient solutions, security experts are emphasizing the need for coordinated approaches and international cooperation. These different perspectives must lead to a constructive dialog in order to sustainably improve cyber security in Germany.

The role of international cooperation

Dealing with complex cyber threats requires a coordinated international approach - a realization that has been made clear in the Potsdam Security Conference was particularly emphasized. In an increasingly networked world, cyber attacks can cross national borders within seconds and cause far-reaching damage. International cooperation is becoming increasingly important, especially in light of the war in Ukraine and the tensions surrounding Taiwan.

Global conflicts such as these pose significant risks to Europe's geopolitical and economic stability. They highlight the importance of joint action against cyber threats, which are often used as an instrument in hybrid warfare strategies.

"There are no isolated solutions in cyber security. Only through close international networking can we effectively counter the current threats and maintain our digital sovereignty."

Partnerships between countries

The international relations in the field of cyber security have intensified significantly in recent years. Germany has systematically expanded its cooperation with European neighbors and at the same time strengthened transatlantic partnerships. This cooperation covers three main areas:

Firstly, the exchange of threat information in real time, which makes it possible to recognize attack patterns at an early stage. Secondly, joint exercises to defend against cyber attacks, which improve the ability of all parties involved to respond. Thirdly, the harmonization of legal frameworks to facilitate cross-border investigations.

Cooperation within the EU in particular has proven to be Valuable protective shield proven. The common cyber security standards and protocols enable a faster response to threats. Germany often plays a pioneering role here and contributes its technological expertise to international committees.

Examples of successful collaborations

The European Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) is a prime example of successful international cooperation. This unit, consisting of experts from various EU countries, can be mobilized within a very short time to provide support in the event of serious cyber attacks. During the Potsdam Security Conference highlighted the CRRT's success in defending against several coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure.

Europol's joint operations against international cyber criminals also show how effective cross-border cooperation can be. In the last two years, such cooperation has made it possible to dismantle several large botnets and bring their operators to justice. These successes would hardly have been possible for individual countries.

Despite these positive examples, there are still challenges in international cooperation. Differing national interests and security concepts sometimes make it difficult to reach a consensus. There are also tensions between the need to exchange information and the protection of sensitive national security data.

The Potsdam Security Conference has established itself as an important forum for overcoming precisely these differences. It offers a neutral space in which representatives of different countries can openly discuss challenges and develop joint strategies. In view of the increasing geopolitical tensions, this dialog platform is becoming ever more important for maintaining stable relations between countries. international relations in cyberspace.

Challenges of digital education

A central theme of the Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference was the alarming gap between the growing demand for cybersecurity experts and the available supply of specialists in Germany. This discrepancy poses a serious threat to the national Security policy are. Experts at the conference emphasized that without sufficiently qualified personnel, even the most advanced technical solutions cannot be implemented effectively.

Shortage of skilled workers

The shortage of cyber security specialists in Germany has reached critical proportions. Current estimates presented at the conference suggest that there are more than 30,000 unfilled positions in this sector. This gap is constantly growing, while at the same time the complexity of cyber attacks is increasing.

The situation is particularly alarming for medium-sized companies, which often do not have the financial means to keep up with the salaries of large corporations. One conference participant from the business world emphasized: "We are not only competing for talent nationally, but globally - and we are increasingly losing this battle."

The rapid pace of technological development is exacerbating the problem. While new threats such as AI-supported attacks or advanced phishing methods are emerging, there is a lack of experts who can develop effective Defense strategies develop and implement. This discrepancy not only jeopardizes individual companies, but Germany's digital infrastructure as a whole.

Educational institutions and their responsibility

At the Potsdam conference, it became clear that educational institutions have a key role to play in solving this problem. Universities and colleges have a duty to adapt their curricula to current requirements and develop interdisciplinary courses.

One innovative approach presented at the conference is to combine technical expertise with knowledge from fields such as law, psychology and international relations. "Cyber security experts today need to be able to do more than just program," explained a representative from a leading technical university. "They need to be able to recognize attack patterns, understand legal frameworks and assess the psychological aspects of cybercrime."

Professional development was also identified as an important factor. Existing specialists must be continuously trained in order to keep pace with the constantly evolving threats. This calls for cooperation between educational institutions and industry in order to develop practical training programs.

The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference provided an important platform for exchange between all those involved. Representatives from politics, business and education agreed that the shortage of skilled workers can only be remedied in the long term through a coordinated effort. Strengthening digital education is therefore not just an education policy issue, but a central building block of the German economy. Security policy in the digital age.

Focus on cybercrime

The Potsdam Cyber Security Conference focused on the alarming rise in digital attacks, which are increasingly being used as a geopolitical tool. The experts were unanimous: cybercrime has become one of the biggest threats in the world. global challenges that threatens both state institutions and the private sector. The digital security landscape is changing at an alarming rate, with attackers developing ever more sophisticated methods.

Current trends and statistics

The data presented at the conference shows a worrying trend: ransomware attacks in Germany have increased by more than 150% increased. This form of blackmail, in which data is encrypted and only released again for a ransom, is increasingly affecting critical infrastructures such as energy suppliers and healthcare facilities.

Last year alone, over 200,000 cases of cybercrime were officially registered in Germany. However, experts assume that the number of unreported cases is considerable, as many attacks are not reported for reputational reasons. The economic damage to the German economy is estimated at several billion euros.

• Increase in targeted attacks on critical infrastructures
• Increased use of AI-supported attack methods
• Growing threat from state-backed hacker groups
• Increased disinformation campaigns with geopolitical objectives

Of particular concern is the increasing intertwining of cybercrime and international diplomacy. Digital attacks are increasingly being used as tools in geopolitical conflicts, blurring the traditional boundaries between crime and state action. A representative of the Federal Foreign Office emphasized at the conference: "Today, we must consider cyber security as an integral part of our diplomatic strategy."

Case studies from Germany

The conference highlighted several case studies that illustrate the diversity and complexity of the threats. The attacks on German hospitals during the pandemic were particularly dramatic. In Düsseldorf, a ransomware attack in 2020 led to the emergency room being shut down, forcing patients to be redirected to other hospitals - with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Municipal administrations are also increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals. The case of the town of Neustadt illustrates the vulnerability of public institutions: After a successful attack, citizen services were only available to a limited extent for weeks, and restoring the systems cost more than half a million euros.

"The attacks on our digital infrastructure are not just technical challenges, but direct attacks on our democratic institutions and economic security."

Increasingly worrying are the espionage attempts against German research institutions and high-tech companies. One prominent case concerned a leading biotechnology company working on mRNA technologies. Data was specifically tapped here, demonstrating the close link between industrial espionage and diplomatic tensions clarified.

The Potsdam conference emphasized the need for a comprehensive cyber security strategy that includes both preventive measures and effective response mechanisms. Only through international cooperation and the exchange of information can the global challenges of cybercrime be overcome. The participants agreed that strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures must be a top priority.

The importance of data protection

In the field of tension between peacekeeping and geopolitical interests, data protection is taking on an increasingly important position, as the discussions at the Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference made clear. The protection of personal data is no longer just a technical or legal matter, but has become a strategic factor in international politics. The way in which states handle data increasingly reflects their value systems and political goals.

The European approach to data protection is setting global standards and positioning the EU as a pioneer for fundamental digital rights. At the same time, different data protection philosophies are creating new lines of conflict in the globalGeopolitics.

Legislation and guidelines

European data protection legislation has undergone an impressive development in recent years. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU laid the foundation for comprehensive protection of personal data in 2018. This set of rules is now being supplemented by further laws:

• The Digital Services Act (DSA) obliges platforms to actively combat disinformation
• The AI Act introduces transparency obligations for AI-generated content
• The Data Governance Act creates framework conditions for the secure use of data

This legislation not only serves to protect the privacy of European citizens, but is also an important instrument ofPeacekeepingin the digital space. Clear rules for handling data make manipulation attempts more difficult and strengthen the integrity of democratic processes.

The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference emphasized the importance of these regulations for Europe's digital sovereignty. Experts discussed how the European approach of strict regulation should be assessed in comparison to the models of other regions of the world.

Challenges for companies

The comprehensive data protection requirements pose considerable challenges for companies. Small and medium-sized companies in particular have to meet complex requirements with limited resources. The implementation of data protection regulations requires:

• Adaptation of business processes and IT systems
• Training of employees on data protection issues
• Recruitment of data protection officers
• Regular review and updating of measures

It became clear at the conference that many companies perceive these requirements as a burden. At the same time, compliance with high data protection standards also offers competitive advantages on the international market. Consumers are attaching increasing importance to the responsible handling of their data.

ThegeopoliticalThe implications of data protection are particularly evident in international data traffic. While Europe relies on strict regulation, the USA pursues a more market-oriented approach and China a state-centered model. These different philosophies lead to tensions and make global data exchange more difficult.

Experts at the Potsdam conference emphasized that these differences not only raise technical issues, but also fundamental aspects of thePeacekeepingtouch. The protection of critical infrastructures and sensitive data is now an essential part of national security strategies.

The challenge is to find an approach that enables both the protection of personal data as well as economic interests and international cooperation. The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference provided an important platform for discussing this balance and developing joint solutions.

A look into the future of cyber security

A look into the digital future reveals an area of tension between increasing cyber threats and technological breakthroughs in the field of security. The experts at Potsdam Security Conference have taken a close look at future developments and paint a differentiated picture of the challenges that lie ahead.

The digital transformation is progressing inexorably and with it the requirements for effective protective measures are also changing. Especially in the area of Crisis management new strategies will be required to counter the growing threats.

Forecasts and trends

Cybersecurity experts are predicting a worrying increase in sophisticated attacks. State-sponsored hacker groups in particular will step up their activities against critical infrastructures and use increasingly sophisticated methods.

"We are observing an increasing professionalization of attack methods. What used to be the work of individual hackers is now being carried out by well-organized teams with state support," explained a leading security expert at the Potsdam Security Conference.

Artificial intelligence will play a key role in the coming years - for both attackers and defenders. AI-supported attacks can automatically detect and exploit security vulnerabilities, while defense systems can use machine learning to identify anomalies more quickly.

Another trend is the shift of attacks to cloud services and networked devices. With the increasing number of IoT devices, the attack surface for cyber criminals is also growing. Experts from the Potsdam Security Conference emphasize that traditional security concepts are reaching their limits here.

Potential dangers and solutions

Among the biggest threats in the near future are AI-generated deepfakes that can be used for disinformation campaigns and social engineering. These deceptively genuine fakes pose a significant challenge for information security.

The manipulation of IoT devices is becoming another risk factor. From smart household appliances to industrial control systems - increasing networking offers attackers new gateways. Security experts are also concerned about the exploitation of vulnerabilities in 5G and future 6G networks.

In response to these threats, researchers are developing innovative solutions for Crisis management. Quantum cryptography promises virtually unhackable encryption methods, while self-healing networks can automatically detect and fend off attacks.

AI-based early warning systems will play a central role in defending against future cyber attacks. These systems can detect suspicious activities in real time and initiate countermeasures before major damage occurs.

"Technology alone will not solve the cyber security problem. We need a holistic approach that includes legal, organizational and educational measures," emphasized one speaker at the Potsdam conference.

Experts agree that the future of cyber security requires an integrated approach. In addition to technical solutions, the legal framework must also be adapted and security awareness among the population must be increased.

The next Potsdam Conference on National Cyber Security will take place on June 24 and 25, 2026 at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam. It will serve as an important platform for exchange between research, business and politics and will explore the future topics outlined here in greater depth.

Regional differences in Germany

Regional differences characterize cybersecurity strategies in Germany and create a complex mosaic of protective measures. The country's federal structure leads to different approaches and resource allocations, which presents both opportunities and challenges for national cybersecurity strategies. Security policy brings with it. This diversity reflects the different economic priorities and digital infrastructures of the federal states.

Differences between federal states

The cyber security landscape shows clear differences between the 16 federal states. Economically strong states such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia are investing heavily in their own cyber security centers and specialized units. These states have extensive resources at their disposal and can react more quickly to new threats.

In contrast, financially weaker federal states struggle with limited resources for digital protection. There is often a lack of comparable structures and specialists, which can lead to security gaps. This discrepancy is also reflected in the number of reported cyber incidents and their clearance rates.

Experts compare this situation with the challenges of Arms control in the conventional sector - it is about containing harmful influences and establishing protective measures that are effective across the board. However, the uneven distribution of resources makes a uniform strategy difficult.

Local initiatives for improvement

Despite these differences, numerous local initiatives have developed that offer innovative solutions to cyber security problems. One outstanding example is the "Forum gegen Fakes" in Brandenburg, which actively involves citizens in the development of strategies against disinformation.

This citizens' forum recommends concrete measures to politicians to deal with misinformation. In the current phase, interested parties can vote on proposed measures and thus directly influence regional policy. Security policy take. This participatory approach raises awareness of digital security among the population.

Other successful examples include municipal cybersecurity alliances such as the "Digital Neighbourhood Assistance" in Saxony, the regional business cooperation "Secure Bavaria" and local education programs in schools and adult education centres. These initiatives show that effective cyber security can be promoted not only at federal level, but also through regional commitment.

The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference provides an important platform for sharing these regional experiences. It identifies best practices that could be implemented nationwide in order to harmonize the digital security landscape in Germany. Experts emphasize that it is precisely the diversity of approaches that can produce innovative solutions if the transfer of knowledge between regions is improved.

The role of the public

While governments and companies Defense strategies the realization is growing that civil society is a decisive factor in the digital security network. The Potsdam Cyber Security Conference picked up on this important development and made it clear that successful cyber security cannot function without the active participation of the population.

In an increasingly digitalized world all citizens are potential targets of cyber attacks. It is therefore crucial that the public is not only seen as an object of protection, but also as an active partner in the cyber security architecture. This new form of digital citizen diplomacy complements traditional state measures and strengthens society's resilience.

Awareness and education

Public awareness of digital security risks is a key factor in the success of national cyber security measures. Without a basic understanding of the dangers, even the best technical Defense strategies are undermined.

Educational campaigns such as "Deutschland sicher im Netz" or the information provided by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) play a key role in raising awareness. They provide practical knowledge on protection against phishing, malware and other digital threats.

Nevertheless, recent studies show worrying gaps: many Germans underestimate the risks in the digital space or do not have the necessary knowledge to protect themselves appropriately. A survey by the digital association Bitkom revealed that only 42% of respondents change their passwords regularly and only 38% use two-factor authentication.

Civil society engagement

The growing involvement of civil society in the area of cyber security is particularly noteworthy. Citizens are increasingly turning from passive recipients of security advice into active creators of solutions.

One outstanding example is the "Forum against Fakes", in which 120 volunteer citizens have developed concrete measures against disinformation. The initiative was based on submissions and ideas from the public and demonstrates the potential of participatory approaches in the digital world. Security policy.

This form of citizen diplomacy is an important addition to traditional government measures. It not only increases the social acceptance of cyber security strategies, but also generates new perspectives and solutions that might be overlooked by experts alone.

The Potsdam Cybersecurity Conference addressed this development and offered civil society players a platform to contribute their perspectives. In special workshops, representatives of citizens' initiatives were able to discuss directly with experts from politics and business and jointly develop solutions.

For the future, it is becoming apparent that successful Defense strategies in the digital space will require an even closer interlinking of government measures, economic interests and civil society involvement. The Potsdam conference has provided important impetus for this.

Conclusion and outlook

The Potsdam Cyber Security Conference has established itself as an important forum for discussing digital security. The event brought together experts from politics, business and research to jointly find solutions to current threats.

Summary of the conference

The discussions at the conference clearly showed that cyber security is one of the key global challenges of our time. The topics of disinformation and AI risks were at the center of the debates. The geopolitical dimensions of cyber attacks were examined in depth and highlighted the need for international cooperation.

The diversity of perspectives represented made it clear that only a holistic approach can be successful in the long term. The conference provided a platform for dialog between state actors, business representatives and civil society.

Next steps for politics and society

One important result is the citizens' report on the topic of disinformation, which will be presented to Federal Minister Nancy Faeser at the Federal Ministry of the Interior on September 12. The document contains specific recommendations for political decision-makers at federal and state level.

Three key areas of action are emerging for the future: strengthening international cooperation, promoting digital education and adapting the legal framework to new technological developments. The geopolitical situation also requires a constant reassessment of risks and strategies.

The next Potsdam conference will show what progress has been made and what new challenges the changing digital landscape brings with it. Until then, cyber security remains a joint task for politics, business and every single citizen.