In the future, information and communication technology will contribute in many living and working areas to safety. Security risks have changed: the vital communication network of society can fail despite advanced technology. Even minor disturbances or small terrorist or criminal acts can cause considerable damage. Natural disasters and technical accidents can cause, in a closely networked world, huge consequences. Global mobility facilitates and accelerates the spread of risks.
Challenges:
Germany, a country with a high population density and a highly-developed technological infrastructure is particularly exposed to new threats. Energy and transport networks, internet and telecommunications, food and health are vital for our society. Even commodity flows, supply chains, supply infrastructure and traffic management systems are vulnerable to failures. Vulnerability makes supply infrastructures a potential target for terrorist activities, as well as offenders and criminals. Security in the past was mainly seen as protection from terrorism, crime or sabotage. Today security also needs to encompass the consequences of natural disasters or major accidents as well as limiting the damages.
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