Cyberagentur Launches ARCH Project to Measure Cybercrime Harm in Germany

The Cyberagentur has initiated the ARCH project to develop a comprehensive model for measuring the harm caused by cybercrime in Germany. This project aims to capture not only financial losses but also intangible and cascading harms, including psychological and societal impacts. The contract for ARCH was signed on April 30, 2026, between the Cyberagentur and the Université de Montréal, with a consortium that includes several prominent research institutions. The project addresses the lack of metrics and methodologies currently available to assess the full scope of cybercrime impacts. The goal is to create a multidimensional assessment framework that quantifies both direct and indirect harms, providing a clearer picture of the consequences of cyber incidents. This initiative is part of the Cyberagentur's broader focus on fostering a Cybervigilant Society in Germany.

Key Points: • ARCH project aims to measure both financial and intangible harms from cybercrime. • The project is led by a consortium including the Université de Montréal and several research institutions. • A comprehensive harm assessment framework will address previously overlooked cascading effects.