Sit after cyber attack: return to normal despite the challenge!

Sit after cyber attack: return to normal despite the challenge!

In the Siegen/district of Olpe region, Südwestfalen-IT and SIT GmbH (sit) announced the return to normal operation after a serious cyber attack that took place last year. This return was originally planned for the end of September 2023, and the deadline was successfully observed. The cyber attack is one of the hardest people who have ever been exercised on a municipal IT in Germany. Mirco Pinske, Managing Director of SIT, explained that after eleven months of intensive work, 98 percent of the well over 100 technical services are now restored.

Pinske emphasized that the cooperation between the 72 affected municipalities, IT experts and partners was crucial for the restoration of the services. "Our everyday life, such as citizens', finance and social services, is now guaranteed again by a stable IT operation," said Pinske. This includes important processes, including the issue of birth and death certificates as well as the processing of social welfare applications.

vigilance remains the top priority

The return to normal mode does not mean that the risk of cyber attacks is averted. "The threats are no less," emphasized Pinske. For this reason, SIT continues to intend to work with external IT security experts in order to secure their infrastructure against future attacks. "A robust and resistant IT is the key to maintaining public services," he added.

As part of the efforts to collect cyber security, October is particularly highlighted as "European Cyber Security Month". Pinske appeals to the citizens to make themselves aware of how they can contribute to improving cyber security in everyday life. "Attentive action in professional life or privately is crucial," he said.

The SIT plans to draw a comprehensive crisis balance on October 30 on October 30th on the first anniversary of the cyber attack. The attack occurred in the night from October 29 to October 30, 2022 and represented one of the greatest attacks on public administration in Germany.

For more information about the progress and challenges in the field of cyber security, see the report on www.lokalplus.nrw .