sabotage – new dimensions of crisis and what you can do to protect your business
Geopolitical tensions have increased worldwide in recent years and have a significant impact on the economic situation of companies. This indirect threat to the German economy is already threatening enough.
A new quality of threat
In recent years, geopolitical tensions have globally increased and now significantly influence the economic situation of businesses of all kinds. While this indirect threat to the German economy would be menacing enough as it is, a direct risk further adds to the various challenges businesses already face today – sabotage. The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (German: Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz or BfV) is currently warning of an „increased threat in relation to sabotage activities“. While previously there were only isolated cases with a mostly criminal motivation, we are starting to see more and more cases where the motivation at first seems unclear. Here, one must be aware of the fact that sabotage for the sake of sabotage itself is a strategy of hybrid conflict reinforcement and that it includes initiation through state authorities. According to the BfV, States can and partly aim to „trigger far-reaching effects such as uncertainty and fear in political and public spheres“. Under these circumstances, any business can be affected by sabotage activities.
Trust remains a protective shield
The expectations of clients, employees, business partners and banks are clear: Only businesses who step up and rise to the new challenges will enjoy their stakeholders‘ trust. This makes it all the more important to protect one’s reputation in the event of a crisis through targeted, well-prepared crisis communication. Having a set of measures on hand helps with getting out of the victim position and shows that one is equipped to handle the situation. This builds trust – the most valuable asset in times of growing uncertainty.
Don't just prepare in your head
When we talk about sabotage, the main question always is: „How are you prepared for this?“ Face this question together with us through a targeted crisis simulation. Jointly, we put your crisis response plan to the test and analyse whether it is fit to cover sabotage, too. Sabotage as a consciously and deliberately induced crisis does not only require a new mindset, but also an adjusted crisis response plan and with it more sophisticated communication
In case of occurring sabotage or as part of prevention, affected businesses are well-advised to consult the BfV directly (www.verfassungsschutz.de).To prevent this from being necessary, companies should develop an extensive security strategy which covers not only technological but also organisational measures. Below see a few important steps:
- reinforcing cyber security:
- Firewall und antivirus software: implementation and regular update of security software
- Network monitoring: continuous surveillance of the network for suspicious activities
- Encryption: use of encryption technologies to protect sensitive data
- Employee training:
- Raising awareness: regular trainings to raise employees’ awareness for security risks
- Phishing-Tests: Durchführung von simulierten Phishing-Angriffen, um die Wachsamkeit der Mitarbeiter zu testen und zu verbessern.
- Physical security:
- Fencing off the premises: making access more difficult as a first hurdle to unauthorized entry onto your premises
- Access controls: Use of access control systems to restrict access to sensitive areas
- Surveillance: Installation of surveillance cameras and alarm systems
- Emergency plans and resilience:
- Incident response plan: developing a plan for rapid response to security incidents
- Business continuity plan: ensuring business continuity through emergency plans and regular tests
- Crisis communication plan: preparing for and informing stakeholders appropriately after the sabotage is essential
- Cooperating with experts:
- Specialised consultants: working with external security IT and communication consultants and service providers
- authorities: closely cooperating with security authorities and participate in information exchange programs