IT security
Comprehensive protection for systems and data
Related topics
Defence is the best defence
IT security aims to reliably protect digital infrastructures, systems, data and end devices from technical failures, unauthorised access and cyber attacks. This is not just about protecting individual components, but about a holistic security concept.
That's why we focus on thorough needs analysis, well-thought-out concepts, and sustainable measures rather than short-term activism. Together, we are creating an IT security foundation that is convincing today and will stand the test of time tomorrow.
We rely on technologies based on artificial intelligence, collective threat analysis, and centrally controlled update and maintenance services based.
This is what we offer your company for IT security
- Carrying out an extensive security check
- Identification of organisational and technical weaknesses
- Creation of a needs-based IT security concept for your company
- The objective of IT security for your company
- Implementation of all IT security measures
- Monitoring of measures and ongoing support
What is IT security?
IT security refers to all measures and procedures aimed at protecting digital systems and data from unauthorised access, misuse, disclosure, disruption, alteration, or destruction. In particular, the focus is on protecting sensitive information and ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
In an increasingly interconnected world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, a strong IT security strategy is becoming ever more important. Companies and organisations rely on effective security measures to protect themselves from risks such as data breaches or targeted cyber-attacks.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means that information is exclusively accessible to authorised individuals. This is ensured through encryption during transmission and storage, role-based access control concepts based on the "need-to-know" principle, strong authentication, and appropriate classification of information. Additionally, key management and the control of outbound data safeguard sensitive content.
The scope of application extends far beyond traditional IT systems: in networked production environments, machines, sensors, and equipment continuously record operational and process data that can be used to draw conclusions about manufacturing processes, utilisation, and efficiency – and therefore about trade secrets. Confidentiality must therefore encompass both IT and OT equally.
Integrity
In IT security, integrity means that data and systems are only modified in a traceable and authorised manner. This is ensured through measures such as access controls and hash values (a kind of digital fingerprint), digital signatures, version control and robust change management. In addition, continuous monitoring and tamper-proof logging ensure that unauthorised or unintended changes are reliably detected. This means that decisions and processes are always based on reliable information.
Availability
Availability ensures that data and services are accessible to authorised users at all times. This is achieved through redundant systems, fault tolerance and failover concepts, uninterruptible power supplies, and reliable backup and recovery processes. Continuous monitoring and protective measures against overload attacks (e.g. DDoS) further reduce downtime and maintain operations even in the event of a failure.
Beyond the triad
Confidentiality, integrity, and availability form the bedrock of information security, but they no longer cover all relevant requirements in networked environments.
The BSI therefore introduces supplementary protection goals:
Authenticity ensures that communication partners, systems and data are actually what they claim to be – the basis for certificates, secure machine-to-machine communication and protection against identity theft.
Binding nature (Non-repudiation) ensures that actions carried out can be unambiguously attributed to a person or a system and cannot be disputed at a later date – this is relevant for digital signatures, approval processes and audit-proof evidence.
In practice, these objectives are interlinked: a measurement series that is simply carried over unchanged is of little use if the sensor’s origin cannot be verified. A sound safety concept therefore considers all protection objectives together and derives specific measures from them.
Components of IT security:
The structured approach to systematically protect data, IT systems and processes – through clear rules, regular checks and continuous improvements.
Cybersecurity encompasses all measures taken to protect systems, networks, and data from digital attacks from the internet.
These include firewalls, encryption technologies, and regular security updates, among others.
A very important aspect is also user awareness to avoid phishing attacks and unsafe behaviour.
Effective protection can only be guaranteed through a combination of technical security and responsible action.
Network security encompasses all measures that protect a company network from unauthorised access, attacks, and data loss. This includes the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure access controls. Regular updates, network monitoring, and the segmentation of sensitive areas are equally important. Only through a holistic security strategy can a stable and protected network be guaranteed.
Backup & Recovery involves regularly backing up data to ensure operational readiness in the event of loss, cyber-attacks, or system failures. Automated backups and clearly defined recovery processes enable companies to significantly reduce downtime. Modern solutions are increasingly relying on scalable storage concepts that can be flexibly adapted to requirements. With the Private or hybrid cloud solution From Bitformer! companies receive a secure and high-performance service for reliable data backup and fast recovery.
When working remotely or from home, IT security is crucial for secure access to company data and systems.
The use of VPN connections, secure passwords, and two-factor authentication protects against unauthorised access.
Equally important are regular updates, as well as the use of trusted networks and devices.
Clear security guidelines and employee awareness significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
An Information Security Officer (ISO) is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring information security within a company. They ensure that legal requirements and security standards are adhered to and that risks are identified early on.
An Information Security Officer (ISO) is not a general legal requirement for every company in Germany. However, an obligation arises if companies fall under certain regulatory requirements, for example, as operators of critical infrastructures (KRITIS) or within the scope of standards such as ISO 27001, if these are mandatorily required. Industry-specific requirements, for example in the financial or healthcare sectors, can also necessitate the appointment of an ISB. Regardless of any legal obligation, an ISB is nonetheless sensible for many companies to systematically manage information security and minimise risks.
With our external ISB service offering, you can demonstrate an ISB without having to build or tie up internal resources. This allows you to benefit from specialised expertise and professional support for your information security.
The term IT security is often mistakenly with Information Security or Cybersecurity equated, although there are differences: While information security focuses on the protection of information itself, IT security centres on securing technical systems. Information is the actual asset and exists independently of IT systems or cyberspace, which is why it must be protected in all its forms.
IT security hingegen relates to the protection of the underlying infrastructure, such as computers, servers, cloud services, and networks. These systems must be protected from unauthorised access, as they enable the processing and exchange of information.
Network security
Network security refers to all measures aimed at protecting networks, as well as the data processed and stored within them, with regard to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The focus is not only on preventing unauthorised access but also on ensuring that authorised users can access required resources smoothly at all times. This is achieved through the use of various technologies, security policies, and control mechanisms that prevent attacks, detect anomalies, and secure the entire network infrastructure. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, while modern WPA3 Wi-Fi encryption provides an additional layer of protection.
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RALPH DÖRFLER
Head of IT Security
