Vulnerable security gaps arise not only from technology, but also from unclear processes and a lack of awareness. The Weizenbaum Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS), two leading scientific institutions based in Berlin, emphasize that in times of increasing cyber threats, interdisciplinary networking in IT security research is more important than ever. With their joint research and organizational networking, the social science-oriented Weizenbaum Institute and Fraunhofer FOKUS, which focuses on application-oriented technology development, represent such a research partnership in the field of digitalization.

Fraunhofer FOKUS develops technical and organizational security solutions throughout the entire life cycle of IT systems – from vulnerability analysis and technology development based on the “security by design” principle to testing and certification in accordance with regulatory requirements such as GDPR or NIS2. “In highly networked infrastructures, it is not crucial to prevent disruptions completely – but to withstand them and be able to act again quickly,” says Professor Manfred Hauswirth, Executive Director of the Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS and Director of the Weizenbaum Institute. “Digital resilience is therefore a strategic success factor for public institutions and companies.”

The Weizenbaum Institute complements this technical perspective with social science research. Among other things, the “Digitalization and Networked Security” research group investigates how people perceive digital security measures, how trust in warning and information systems develops, and what role communication plays in crises. The security of networked urban infrastructures – from smart-city applications to urban sensor systems – is also a focus. “Digital resilience does not arise solely from technological innovations, but from the interplay of technology, organization, and trust,” says Professor Christoph Neuberger, Director of the Weizenbaum Institute. “Only when research, politics, and practice act together can we create digital systems that are crisis-proof and serve people.”

Computer Security Day highlights the importance of cooperation among research, politics, administration, and business to make digital systems resilient and strengthen social trust in their functionality. Both Fraunhofer FOKUS and the Weizenbaum Institute are committed to strengthening and anchoring the topic in society and business through research projects and various transfer formats such as the FOKUS Academy.