Digital mischief endangers everyone worldwide
In a recent speech to the NRW state parliament, SPD State Parliamentarian Sonja Bongers highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime and urged the state government for increased investment in combating this digital menace.
Bongers acknowledged that while there are good starting points, there is still a long way to go in combating cybercrime. She emphasised the need for professional and personnel growth in the investigation of cybercrime, as it extends beyond social media and includes bank fraud, illegal activities on the dark web, disinformation, cyberespionage, and cyberterrorism.
Bongers urged the state government for increased investment in personnel training for investigative agencies. However, she did not specify the exact nature of the increased investment she is advocating for in terms of personnel. The speech did not mention any specific instances of bank fraud, identity theft, or disinformation that require more personnel.
Recent efforts by Germany to combat cybercrime include collaborating internationally to shut down major cybercrime forums, such as "nulled.to" and "cracked.io," in January 2025. An international operation also targeted a hacktivist group responsible for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure across Europe, involving coordination with multiple countries, including Germany, to disrupt over 100 servers worldwide.
To address these issues, several measures and proposed solutions are being implemented or discussed. These include enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, implementing stronger legal frameworks, raising public awareness about cyber threats, and regulating harmful content on social media platforms. Strengthening financial security systems and implementing more robust verification processes are key measures being proposed to combat bank fraud. Enhancing cybersecurity measures and working with international partners to identify and counter espionage attempts are crucial for cyberespionage. Developing effective strategies to combat cyberterrorism involves cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies.
Bongers warned that these online crimes pose a significant threat to security and democracy. She also stated that social media is not always a friendly place, citing the increasing number of hateful or inflammatory remarks. However, the speech did not provide details about the specific areas of cybercrime that would benefit from increased personnel or the psychological consequences of online hate speech.
In conclusion, while Germany has made significant strides in combating cybercrime, there is still a need for increased investment in personnel and resources to keep up with the evolving nature of cybercrime. Politicians like Sonja Bongers play a significant role in advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures and pushing for legislative changes to address these issues. Their efforts can help shape policy and ensure that adequate resources are allocated to tackle cyber threats effectively.
Cybersecurity technology plays a crucial role in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, as highlighted by Sonja Bongers, as she advocated for increased investment in personnel training for investigative agencies. This investment, according to Bongers, is essential for addressing the expanding realm of cybercrime, which includes bank fraud, illegal activities on the dark web, disinformation, cyberespionage, cyberterrorism, and combating their psychological effects.
As cybercrime evolves at an alarming rate, cybersecurity personnel requiring continuous education and skills enhancement is vital to defend against ever- emergent threats, underscoring the importance of Bongers' call for increased investment in the relevant technology and personnel.
