Austria to launch cybersecurity office as online crime rises

Austria will centralise protection against digital threats through a new Federal Office for Cybersecurity from October 1, ORF reported, as reported internet crime has risen sharply over the past decade.

There were 13,104 reported cases of internet crime across Austria ten years ago, compared with 63,459 last year. About one-third of cases are solved.

The new office was discussed at a security summit at Graz Castle. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and public administration are increasing, while internet fraud and extortion are declining, experts said.

The office will serve as a central contact point and house the computer emergency response team for the public sector. “Put simply, it is the fire service in cyberspace,” said Gernot Goluch of the Interior Ministry.

Institutions and companies will have to register and take security measures. Companies that fail to report hacker attacks or significant incidents could face fines of up to 100,000 euros.

Styria’s Deputy Governor Manuela Kohn of the ÖVP said the reporting requirement would allow organisations to learn from one another. Governor Mario Kunasek of the FPÖ said technical measures were essential to make systems resilient.