Data Centers Face Rising Cyberattack Threats Amid Tech Expansion
Severity: High (Score: 70.5)
Sources: Amp.Dw, Dw
Summary
The rapid expansion of data centers in Germany, particularly in the Frankfurt area, has made them critical infrastructure for national security and economic stability. With the internet's growing importance, these facilities are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with the German Federal Bank reporting over 5,000 attacks per minute as of January 2026. Data centers are vital for services like power, health systems, and financial management. They are generally well-protected, but incidents like the 2021 Strasbourg fire highlight their vulnerability. The German government aims to double data center capacity by 2030 while reducing reliance on non-European providers. The geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, further complicates the security of these infrastructures. Key Points: • Germany's data centers are classified as critical infrastructure and face increasing cyber threats. • The German Federal Bank reported over 5,000 cyberattacks per minute on its systems as of January 2026. • A major fire in Strasbourg in 2021 caused significant disruptions, affecting over 3.6 million websites.