dw.com
Cyberattacks Cost German Economy €300 Billion, Russia and China Identified as Key Sources
A Bitkom survey reveals that cyberattacks, many from Russia and China, cost the German economy nearly €300 billion in the past year, impacting 34% of surveyed companies, with ransomware being the primary cause.
- What types of cyberattacks are most prevalent, and what percentage of companies experienced them?
- Ransomware attacks were the primary cause of the damage, impacting 34% of the 1,000 companies surveyed, a significant increase from 12% in 2022. One in seven of these companies paid a ransom.
- What is the total economic damage caused by cyberattacks on German companies in the past year, and which countries are identified as the main sources?
- Cyberattacks on German companies resulted in nearly €300 billion ($355 billion) in economic losses. Half of the companies surveyed traced the attacks to Russia and China.
- How do the differing stances of Germany and Spain regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict potentially affect their bilateral relations, despite generally good ties?
- While both Germany and Spain have criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza, their approaches differ. Spain's more proactive stance, including joining a lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide and imposing an arms embargo, may cause contention with Germany, which has taken a more restrained approach.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the cyberattacks on German companies, attributing them to various sources including Russia, China, and other EU countries or the US. However, the prominent placement of Ralf Wintergerst's quote, "The trail leads relatively clearly and unambiguously to the east, with two countries at the forefront: Russia and China," might subtly emphasize the Eastern origins of the attacks. The headline also focuses on the economic losses, framing the issue primarily as an economic concern rather than a security threat, which may influence reader perception.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and factual. However, terms like "malicious software" and "cyberwar" could be considered slightly loaded, as they carry negative connotations. The description of ransomware as "preventing data being accessed until a victim pays an often very high sum" is more neutral than phrasing like "extorting victims".
Bias by Omission
The article omits discussion of the specific measures German companies are taking to mitigate cyberattacks, which might provide a more complete understanding of the issue. It also doesn't detail the types of industries most affected. These omissions don't necessarily mislead, but could limit the reader's understanding of the problem's scope and potential solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports significant economic losses from cyberattacks, impacting Germany's industrial and technological infrastructure. The attacks hinder innovation and economic growth, directly affecting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).