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With the “Cyber ??Security Check for SMEs”, the state is launching a cyber security advisory service for small and medium-sized companies. The on-site advice is provided by trained consultants from the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
"Digital projects will only be successful if they are secure. Cyber ??security is a key factor here. In addition to the authorities and municipalities in the state, we also focus on medium-sized businesses, i.e. our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), when it comes to cyber security. They are the backbone of our economy in Germany, but often need more support when it comes to cyber security. That is why we have developed a tailor-made consulting service for small and medium-sized enterprises together with the Baden-Württemberg Cyber ??Security Agency (CSBW) , the Baden-Württemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation , Aalen University and the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) . In this way, we are specifically sensitizing management to the issue of cyber security and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises in Baden-Württemberg in particular are hardened against cyber attacks," said Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl on the occasion of the launch of the new consulting service.
"The risk of serious cyber attacks is growing. Cyber ??security is not an option, but must be a top priority, even in small companies. That is why I welcome the fact that the 'Cyber ??Security Check for SMEs' helps entrepreneurs and managers to better protect their companies against cyber attacks. We want to make this support available to as many companies in Baden-Württemberg as possible," said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut , Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism.
Improving cybersecurity
Digitalization Minister Thomas Strobl explained: "With the 'Cyber ??Security Check for SMEs' consulting service, small and medium-sized companies can identify specific areas where action is needed to improve the company's cyber security. The initial or introductory consultation lasts one hour - short and compact, focused on the most important things. At the end of the consultation, the company receives an initial assessment of its security status. Depending on requirements, this can be followed by more in-depth, analytical follow-up advice from information technology service providers. Of course, one thing is clear: the one hour is time well spent in terms of cyber security."
After a pilot phase, the consulting concept will now gradually be rolled out across the board, initially in the area of ??the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs). Small and medium-sized companies can contact their local Chamber of Industry and Commerce for this purpose. Trained consultants from the Chambers of Industry and Commerce will then provide initial or orientation advice on site for their member companies.
Tailor-made consulting services
The advisory service focuses on the most important fields of action in cyber resilience, which are based on relevant standards of the Federal Office for Information Security , and is specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs. To this end, a research project closely monitored by the Ministry of the Interior has previously determined what needs SMEs have in the area of ??cybersecurity. On the basis of the results, the research project has developed an advisory approach and produced accompanying media and a survey tool on the cybersecurity of the company to be advised on site.
"The results clearly showed that in small companies, even management is not yet sufficiently aware of cyber security and that the necessary resources for cyber security are often lacking," explained project manager Prof. Dr. Christoph Karg from Aalen University. "With our offer, we want to help SMEs to better protect themselves against cyber attacks and competitor spying in the future," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Harald Riegel, Rector of Aalen University. "For an effective initial consultation approach, it is imperative to strengthen cyber resilience on site with a tailor-made consulting concept that is accepted by the target group," adds Thilo Rentschler, Managing Director of the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
"The Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Crafts, with their highly experienced consultants, are particularly important for the future implementation of the project," stressed Minister Thomas Strobl. "I am therefore very pleased that when the advisory concept was presented to the umbrella association of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Baden-Württemberg, as well as to Handwerk BW for the area of ??our Chambers of Crafts, there was great support for a comprehensive implementation."
