11.03.2024

Close cooperation between IV NÖ, HdD and Ministry of the Interior

Conference with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and IV-NÖ President Kari Ochsner focused on the participation process in the implementation of the NIS-2 Directive

ecoplsu Digital GmbH*

Pressefoto zum Event Cybersecurity mit Claus Zeppelzauer und den Mitveranstaltern.

As part of a cybersecurity focus, an event took place on March 8, 2024, at the House of Digitalization in Tulln, Lower Austria, organized in cooperation with the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV-NÖ). The conference, hosted by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and IV-NÖ President Kari Ochsner, aimed to strengthen support and exchange in the field of cybersecurity for the industrial areas in Lower Austria.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated: "Cybercrime is the fastest-growing crime category in reported crime statistics. In the fight against cybercrime and cyberattacks, awareness-raising and prevention are particularly important. I am grateful to the House of Digitalization and the IV Lower Austria, especially President Kari Ochsner, for the exchange and the opportunity for dialogue. The participation process is an opportunity for all those who are or could be affected, as well as for all those who would like to get involved, online and offline, in the digital and real world."

At the conference, current cyber threat scenarios and risk management options were discussed with entrepreneurs. Philipp Blauensteiner, Head of the Network and Information Systems Security Department at the Ministry of the Interior, emphasized the importance of the NIS 2 Directive as an opportunity for companies to strengthen their defenses against digital threats. Sharing knowledge about threats, vulnerabilities, and attack methods enables companies to optimize their security strategies.

Cyberattacks on companies increased by 200 percent in 2023

In the current era of digital transformation, cybersecurity is not just an IT task, but a strategic issue that a company's management must also address in depth.

Cyberattacks on Austrian companies increased by more than 200 percent last year – the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine was a key driver. Around twelve percent of the affected companies suffered financial losses of more than one million euros.

IV-NÖ President Kari Ochsner said: "This shows how important it is for industry, business, and politics to work together on an equal footing to implement the new rules of the NIS 2 Directive in a practical way so that our domestic production facilities are protected."

ecoplus Digital Managing Director Claus Zeppelzauer said: "Digitalization has fundamentally changed the way successful companies operate. However, those who utilize the advantages of digitalization must not ignore the risks. At the House of Digitalization, we are working with our partners to inform and raise awareness about cybersecurity among businesses and the public as widely as possible."

ecoplus Digital GmbH*

Foto der Innovationlounge mit einer Konferenzveranstaltung.

Cybersecurity Conference 2023 Launched Joint Roadshow

At a time when the threat of cyberattacks is becoming increasingly tangible, the House of Digitalization in Tulln is developing into a place for exchange on cybersecurity issues in Lower Austria. Since 2021, ecoplus Digital has been committed to supporting companies in the area of IT security prevention within the "House of Digitalization" network. Thanks to a wide range of offerings such as online guides, webinars, legal advice, and workshops, many companies have already received support in cybersecurity matters.

A cybersecurity conference at the House of Digitalization in 2023 launched a joint roadshow with the Ministry of the Interior to further raise awareness of cyber threats in Lower Austria. This roadshow reached around 1,470 people in 2023 and will continue its efforts with further dates in 2024.