Germany launches IT security initiative

IDG News Service - The German government, looking to better protect the country's systems from viruses and other attacks, yesterday announced a national IT security plan that includes the establishment of a computer emergency response center.
The plan, unveiled in Berlin by Interior Minister Otto Schily, comes as Germany and many other industrialized nations are struggling to come to grips with increasing attacks on IT systems in both the public and private sectors.
"We must deal with threats of a new quality and quantity," Schily said at a press conference, adding that the country as a whole still isn't fully aware of the harm that can be caused by cyberthreats like viruses, worms and phishing attacks.
The lack of commitment by many German companies to IT security is worrying, Schily said. Some corporate executives wait until they have an acute problem before taking steps to improve their IT defenses, he noted. Home users also underestimate the need to safeguard systems, the minister warned.
The government's National Plan to Protect IT Infrastructures has three major goals: prevent attacks, enable swift responses to ones that occur and encourage the widespread adoption of common security practices.
The Federal Office for Security in Information Technology, known by its German acronym BSI, will play a key role in the effort by developing and implementing new security standards within the public sector and publishing guidelines for corporate users.
Schily said the BSI will also house the new computer emergency response center, which will collaborate with IT security services vendors. The center's planned responsibilities include sending e-mail alerts about potential threats and responding to attacks via a technical support hot line.
Schily called Germany's plan the first of its kind in the European Union and said he hopes that other members will be encouraged to follow the country's lead with similar initiatives.