More IT security: Dobrindt wants the "cyber dome"

Considering increasing cyberattacks on companies and authorities, the German government has announced more decisive measures for greater IT security. The cabinet has decided on three key points. Among other things, there should be more powers for federal security authorities and a concept for a defense system called "Cyber Dome" should be developed.

"Hybrid threats are on the rise in the current geopolitical situation. In view of this tense threat situation, we must expand our resilience and ability to react," said Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), explaining the plans. By the end of the year, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), which he heads, intends to present a draft that will strengthen the cyber defense powers of the federal security authorities. With these powers, the authorities should then be able to actively prevent, mitigate or even stop serious attacks.

Does Germany need a cyber dome?

"Germany needs a cyber dome," Dobrindt had already called for at the end of June during a visit to Israel – with a view to the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system. He envisioned a "powerful, digital shield against espionage, sabotage and for the protection of critical infrastructure". He also mentioned closer cooperation with Israel in the area of cyberdefense. In the press release, the BMI now speaks of a "(partially) automated defense in the network ("cyber dome") to defend against and prevent damage from cyber attacks". Existing and planned new approaches for detection, analysis and reaction are to be brought together in this. The BMI intends to present an implementation concept for this and identify the legal basis that still needs to be created.

The technical and organizational basis of this cyber dome, who it could protect and also what exactly – it could protect against were not revealed in the BMI communication. It is also unclear how much money could flow into this new cyberdefense structure. The BMI has yet to respond to questions from the iX editorial team.

In addition, civil-military cooperation is also to be intensified. To this end, the BMI and the Federal Ministry of Defense are to network better in terms of the interoperability of communication systems. A corresponding exercise by both ministries is to take place in the second half of 2026.

(axk)