Cybercrime in Germany: Top 5 Threats You Need to Be Aware of

In recent years, we've seen a significant increase in cybercrime around the world, and Germany is no exception. Cybercrime involves criminal activities that target or use computers, network devices, and the internet. These activities can disrupt the lives of individuals and the operations of businesses, leading to financial and personal losses. 

As we rely more on digital technologies, the need for strong cybersecurity—measures to protect against cyber threats—becomes more critical. This is particularly true for tools that allow us to access and manage computers remotely, like those offered by Splashtop. These tools help us work and manage tasks from anywhere, but without proper security, they could also expose us to risks like unauthorized access or data theft. 

That’s why understanding and implementing cybersecurity is not just for tech experts; it's important for everyone. In this blog post, we'll go over the top five cyber threats in Germany that you should be aware of to help you protect yourself and your data in the digital world.  

Threat #1: Ransomware 

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that blocks access to a computer system or encrypts the files on it, demanding that the victim pay a ransom to regain access. It can strike anyone, from single users at home to large corporations, causing not only financial damage but also significant disruption to daily operations.

In Germany, ransomware has become a pressing concern. For example, in one notable incident, a major university hospital in Düsseldorf was hit by a ransomware attack, which led to serious disruptions in patient care and highlighted the dangerous potential of these attacks on critical infrastructure.

To protect yourself and your organization from ransomware, consider the following tips: 

• Regular backups: Keep regular backups of all important data, and make sure these backups are stored separately from your main systems. This way, if your data is held hostage, you can restore it from a backup without having to pay the ransom. 

• Update and patch systems: Ensure that all your software and operating systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Many ransomware attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. 

• Educate and train employees: Make sure that everyone in your organization knows how to recognize suspicious emails or links, which are common methods for spreading ransomware. 

• Use reputable security tools: Install and maintain reliable antivirus software and firewalls to detect and prevent malware infections. 

• Incident response plan: Have a clear plan in place for how to respond if you are infected with ransomware, including how to isolate infected systems from the network to prevent the spread of malware.

By understanding what ransomware is and taking proactive steps to protect against it, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of these dangerous attacks.

Threat #2: Phishing Scams

Phishing is a deceptive technique used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. They do this by masquerading as trustworthy entities through emails, text messages, or social media messages.

Phishing tactics can vary, but they often involve emails that appear to come from well-known organizations or contacts. For example, you might receive an email that looks like it's from your bank, asking you to click a link to update your password. However, the link leads to a fake website designed to steal your credentials. To protect yourself from phishing scams, follow these preventative measures:

• Verify the source: Always check the sender's email address for any anomalies, even if the message appears to come from a known contact or organization.

• Think before you click: Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unexpected emails.

• Use security software: Employ comprehensive security software that includes email scanning and phishing detection capabilities.

• Keep informed about phishing techniques: Stay updated on the latest phishing tactics, as they continually evolve. Many security websites and services provide updates and alerts.

• Educate your team: If you're part of an organization, ensure that all members are educated on how to recognize phishing attempts. Regular training sessions can be very helpful.

Threat #3: Data Breaches 

A data breach occurs when sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed, disclosed, or stolen without authorization. This can include personal information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and financial records, as well as business secrets and intellectual property.

The impact of data breaches on companies can be severe, ranging from financial losses due to fines and legal costs, to long-term reputational damage. Consumers affected by data breaches risk identity theft and financial fraud, often suffering from long-term credit and privacy issues. 

In Germany, significant data breaches have made headlines, affecting both the public sector and private companies. For instance, a major German software company experienced a breach that exposed the personal details of millions of users. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of even the most sophisticated systems to security lapses. To safeguard against data breaches, consider the following best practices: 

• Use strong, unique passwords: Ensure that all accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them. 

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access. 

• Regularly update and patch systems: Keep all systems and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Many breaches exploit vulnerabilities in software that could have been patched. 

• Encrypt sensitive data: Use encryption to protect data in transit and at rest, making it harder for unauthorized users to access readable information. 

• Educate employees: Regular training on security best practices and recognizing phishing attempts can reduce the risk of breaches caused by human error. 

• Develop an incident response plan: Prepare a detailed plan on how to respond to data breaches, including how to identify the breach, contain the damage, and notify affected individuals and authorities. 

Threat #4: Insider Threats 

Unlike other cyber threats that often come from outside an organization, insider threats originate from within — typically by employees, former employees, contractors, or business associates who have access to sensitive information and systems. These threats can be either malicious, such as an employee deliberately stealing confidential data, or unintentional, such as an employee accidentally leaking information online or to unauthorized persons. 

Insider threats are particularly challenging because they come from people who legitimately have access to your company's data. These threats can take various forms, from sabotage and data theft to simply mishandling or misusing data without malicious intent. 

With the rise of remote work, securing work environments against insider threats has become a unique challenge. Remote work can blur the traditional security boundaries of an office setting, making it harder to monitor and control access to sensitive information. However, it also offers an opportunity to implement robust security measures tailored to the digital landscape: 

• Secure Remote Access Solutions: Utilize secure remote access tools like Splashtop, which offer features such as session recording and multi-factor authentication. These tools ensure that access to sensitive data is both secure and traceable. 

• Regular Audits and Monitoring: Implement regular audits of your systems and user activities. Regular checks can help you detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to access data, which might indicate an insider threat. Tools that log and monitor user activities can provide an audit trail that can be invaluable in investigating and responding to incidents. 

• Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP): Apply the principle of least privilege by ensuring that employees have only the access they need to perform their job functions. This minimizes the risk of information being accidentally or maliciously shared. 

• Continuous Training and Awareness: Educate your employees about the risks of insider threats and the importance of following company policies related to data security. Training should emphasize the responsibilities of each employee in protecting the organization’s assets, especially in a remote setting. 

• Incident Response Strategy: Develop a clear incident response strategy that includes communication plans and roles in the event of a suspected insider threat. Quick and effective action can mitigate the damage caused by such threats. 

Threat #5: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) 

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) represent a complex form of cyber-attack executed by highly skilled and often state-sponsored groups with the aim to steal information or surveil targets over extended periods. Unlike other cyber threats that seek quick financial gain, APTs focus on long-term infiltration, remaining undetected within a network to continuously gather valuable information. 

APTs are meticulously planned and executed, targeting specific organizations for strategic reasons, such as espionage or political gain. In Germany, several notable APTs have been documented: 

• Ghostwriter Campaign: This campaign involved disinformation and credential theft targeting German entities, believed to be part of an effort to influence political sentiments and public perceptions. 

• Winnti Group: Known for its attacks primarily against the gaming industry, this group has also targeted German technology companies, aiming at intellectual property theft. 

To defend against APTs, organizations need to implement multi-layered security measures that go beyond conventional protections. Here are some strategies to consider: 

• Segmentation of Networks: Divide your network into segments to limit an attacker's ability to move laterally within your systems if they gain access to one segment. 

• Advanced Threat Detection Systems: Use solutions that employ machine learning and behavioral analytics to detect unusual behavior patterns in network traffic and endpoint operations, which are indicative of APT activities. 

• Regular Security Assessments: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and rectify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. 

• Comprehensive Monitoring and Logging: Maintain detailed logs of network activity and regularly monitor these logs for signs of suspicious activity. This can be crucial for tracing the steps of an attacker and understanding their entry points. 

• Incident Response and Forensics Capability: Develop a robust incident response plan that includes forensic capabilities to investigate any breach or intrusion, gather evidence, and understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers. 

• Employee Training and Awareness: Regularly train employees on the latest cyber threats and phishing techniques since human error can often provide APTs with their initial entry point. 

How Splashtop Mitigates Cybersecurity Risks  

Splashtop is uniquely equipped to address the evolving cyber threats highlighted in this blog, making it an ideal solution for enhancing your cybersecurity while implementing seamless remote access and remote support technologies into your remote work environment.     

Here are a few ways Splashtop protects organizations from the threats listed above:    

Protection Against Ransomware and Phishing Scams:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Splashtop incorporates MFA, adding an essential layer of security that helps prevent unauthorized access, crucial for protecting against phishing and credential theft.   

• Device Authentication: Devices must be authenticated before they can access Splashtop, ensuring that only approved devices can connect to your network, reducing the risk of ransomware spreading through unauthorized devices.   

Safeguarding Against Data Breaches:

• Session Encryption: Splashtop ensures that all remote sessions are encrypted using TLS and 256-bit AES, protecting data in transit against interception or theft.   

• Granular Permission Settings: Users are only granted access to the specific systems and data they need for their roles, minimizing the potential impact of a data breach.   

Mitigating Insider Threats: 

• Session Recording: This feature records all remote access sessions, providing an audit trail that can be invaluable for detecting and investigating insider threats.

• Activity Logs: Comprehensive logging of user activities helps organizations monitor and analyze actions taken during remote sessions, which is key for spotting potentially malicious behavior early.

  Defending Against Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs):

• Regular Security Updates: Splashtop regularly updates its platform to address new vulnerabilities and enhance security features, helping protect against sophisticated cyber-attacks like APTs.

• Endpoint Protection: Integration with endpoint protection platforms enhances security by ensuring that all connecting devices meet the organization's security standards.

Try Splashtop for Free 

In this post, we've examined the top cyber threats in Germany, including ransomware, phishing, data breaches, insider threats, and advanced persistent threats. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity. 

It's crucial to embrace comprehensive security solutions that keep pace with evolving threats. Splashtop’s suite of tools offers robust protection through secure remote access and stringent access controls. 

Stay informed and protect your digital environment. Learn more about Splashtop’s products, security features and sign up for a free trial!