German Government Introduces Draft Critical Infrastructure Protection Act
Berlin, November 28, 2024 – The German government has presented a draft law aimed at strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure in the country. The so-called “Kritis-Dachgesetz” (Critical Infrastructure Umbrella Law) aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of infrastructure considered essential for the functioning of society, including energy supply, transportation, communications, and healthcare.
Key Provisions of the Draft Law
The draft law includes several key provisions:
- Definition of Critical Infrastructure: The law defines critical infrastructure as systems, facilities, services, or assets that are essential for maintaining vital societal functions, such as healthcare, energy, transportation, communications, and finance.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Operators of critical infrastructure will be required to conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation measures to protect their systems and assets from threats such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, and terrorism.
- Cybersecurity Obligations: The law imposes specific cybersecurity obligations on critical infrastructure operators, including requirements for secure network configurations, incident response plans, and employee training.
- Government Oversight: The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the law and for providing guidance to critical infrastructure operators.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Operators who fail to comply with the law’s requirements may face fines or other penalties.
Rationale for the Law
The German government has emphasized the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from threats that could disrupt essential services and harm citizens. The increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks and other threats have created a heightened sense of urgency to address this issue.
Consultation and Next Steps
The draft law is now open for public consultation and feedback from stakeholders, including industry representatives, security experts, and the general public. The government intends to finalize the law and bring it into force by 2025.
The introduction of the Critical Infrastructure Umbrella Law is a significant step towards enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure in Germany. The law aims to ensure that essential services remain available and secure in the face of evolving threats.
Regierungsentwurf des “Kritis-Dachgesetzes” vorgelegt
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Kurzmeldungen (hib) a new article on 2024-11-28 18:02 titled “Regierungsentwurf des “Kritis-Dachgesetzes” vorgelegt”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
22