VDMA / Security
Cyber protection is not enough in mechanical engineering
Feared and yet underestimated: Germany's mechanical engineering companies are aware of the danger of cyber attacks. However, not all companies in the medium-sized industry are sufficiently prepared for this, according to a survey by the VDMA industry association.
According to the VDMA study, almost half of companies are working with outdated protection against attacks from the network. Responsibility for IT security is not clearly defined everywhere. Only a good half of companies follow the expert advice to place final responsibility for this at the top level.
From the perspective of machine manufacturers, administrative networks, such as email accounts, and production IT are particularly at risk from hacker attacks. According to the companies, the greatest potential for damage is the loss of confidential company data and personal information. Business interruptions are also feared. From the companies' point of view, this is worse than reputational damage. A production stoppage can delay deliveries to customers.
Companies can become liable if criminals gain access to sensitive customer data or the personal data of third parties during the attack. "This can happen, for example, if employees open the attachment of an email that contains a virus through which the attacker gains access to the systems," explains Thomas Völker from insurance broker VSMA, a subsidiary of the VDMA. "Or a machine at the customer's premises is hacked and paralyzed during remote maintenance via the Internet."
60% of companies estimate the damage caused by cyber attacks at between 500,000 and 1 million euros. "However, this is unlikely to be enough in the event of a prolonged production outage," says Völker, referring to possible follow-up costs. He cites contractual penalties due to delayed deliveries to customers, legal fees, claims for damages and expenses for external consultants as examples.
The clear majority (88%) of respondents are not yet insured against hacker attacks. A total of 244 companies took part in the survey conducted by the VDMA and its subsidiary VSMA. Small and medium-sized companies with an annual turnover of up to 75 million euros were the main respondents.
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