IT control, networking and increasing automation make highly complex systems vulnerable to cybercrime attacks. In our modern society, cyberattacks on energy suppliers or waterworks are among the nightmare scenarios. Gas networks and sewage pipes are also critical infrastructures at risk.

This is why the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is working together with the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences: In the 'Cyber Security for Critical Infrastructures Learning Lab', which opened on January 11, 2017, the scientists are researching procedures and techniques for the IT security of critical infrastructures and at the same time want to develop components and software modules to protect the facilities. They simulate cyberattacks and search for vulnerabilities. The aim is to quickly detect and prevent such attacks. The knowledge gained in the process is to be passed on to companies and authorities so that it can be implemented quickly. The main aim of the cyber security learning lab is to offer a comprehensive training program: the courses are designed to be in-service and modular. Each participant chooses a specific topic in which they would like to acquire practical security know-how and gain comprehensive qualifications in high-quality laboratories with the latest IT infrastructure.

The collaboration at the Görlitz site will be led by Dr. Jörg Lässig from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The newly established Fraunhofer Group on IT Security for Critical Infrastructures cooperates closely with the Applied Systems Engineering branch of the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB).

In a race against cyber criminals

In addition, the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) supports continuing education with an interactive e-assessment system called 'askMe! The web-based platform analyses and visualizes the results and thus makes it possible to evaluate the technical competence and learning progress of course participants.

The learning lab in Görlitz is one of six cyber security learning labs that the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is currently opening at various locations in Germany. In addition to training specialists and managers in public authorities and companies, the aim is to counteract the serious shortage of specialists in the field of IT security.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is supporting the project with an annual sum of 6 million euros.