Kick-off event “Awareness Cybersecurity”

Digitalization continues to advance in Lower Austria, opening up new opportunities. However, increasing digitalization also raises the risk of cyberattacks. "To protect oneself, the first steps require awareness of potential dangers and access to relevant information – both of which we aim to convey through a joint cybersecurity roadshow that will tour Lower Austria starting in May," said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner today at a joint press conference.

The number of cybercrimes is rising year after year. In 2022, internet crime reached a new record high with over 60,000 reported offenses. “In Lower Austria, we want to harness digital transformation for the benefit of the region and its people. But we know that digitalization also creates new risks in many areas of security and life. That's why we're equipping ourselves with concrete security measures: not only in the field of research, as seen in the Europe-wide flagship project, the Cyber ​​Defence Center at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, or the ‘House of Digitalization,’ but also by providing information about the opportunities and risks,” explained Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. “Therefore, the roadshow, which is making stops throughout the state, offers families, entrepreneurs, and experts from administration and education the opportunity to participate in discussions, exchange ideas, and learn new things,” the Governor continued.

“The most important measure in consistently combating cybercrime in all its forms is prevention. The Lower Austrian Cyber ​​Roadshow is an important contribution to ensuring awareness-raising tailored to the respective target groups,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. "The ongoing reform of the Criminal Investigation Department will set new standards in the area of ​​cybercrime investigations. The number of experts at the Federal Criminal Police Office will be increased, and cyber specialists will also be more readily available at regional specialized units. This will allow investigations and preventative measures to be carried out even more quickly and effectively," announced Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

Following an expert kick-off event on "Cybersecurity Awareness" on April 19 at the "House of Digitalization," the roadshow will travel to Krems (April 16, May 2023), Klosterneuburg (May 15, June 2023), Wieselburg (June 19, September 2023), St. Pölten (September 12, October 2023), and Wiener Neustadt (November 2023). The target groups are public administration, business, and the education sector. Accordingly, the roadshow will make stops at a school, the district administration office, and the local Chamber of Commerce branch at each location. Partners of the roadshow include the "House of Digitalization," the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKNÖ), the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) Lower Austria, and the Competence Center for Secure Austria (KSÖ).

In addition to the roadshow, the "House of Digitalization," managed by ecoplus Digital, will continue the Security Boost Camps Lower Austria in 2023 in cooperation with ETC - Enterprise Training Center and Microsoft Austria. Last year, over 100 Lower Austrian companies received training and further education in cybersecurity at two Security Boost Camps. Starting in September, three different formats will be available for various target groups in Lower Austria: free training courses to familiarize participants with the principles of cybersecurity; a basic training course for certified companies to get started with the topic; and a format for advanced participants and graduates of previous qualification programs.
Information and registration are now available at: https://www.skills-campus.at/security-boostcamp/

Furthermore, the ecoplus team from the "House of Digitalization" is planning a cybersecurity summer school for children as well as new videos with expert tips on current cybersecurity issues such as ransomware.