Observed Signal · Feb 18, 2026 · Survey · Source: W&V · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Cyber Threats High, But Strategies Remain Weak
A Diconium and techconsult survey of 200 IT leaders and decision-makers in German industrial companies (conducted in December 2025) finds that three out of four industrial firms rate the risk from cyberattacks as "high" or "very high." Despite the perceived threat, only about half of respondents report that cybersecurity is embedded as a central part of corporate strategy. The study also highlights gaps in implementation: responsibilities, strategic alignment and testing are not consistently in place across companies, which undermines external trust.
Survey reveals widespread recognition of cyber risk but persistent strategic and operational gaps in industrial companies; important for risk management and trust but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Three of four industrial companies assess the threat from cyberattacks as "high" or "very high".
- Diconium and techconsult conducted a survey in December 2025 of 200 IT managers and decision-makers in German industrial companies.
- Only about every second company embeds cybersecurity as a central part of corporate strategy.
- The survey indicates that strategy, responsibilities and testing for cybersecurity are not consistently implemented across companies.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Swiss SMEs Underestimate Cyber Threats
A Deloitte study published on 20 August 2026 finds that many Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) underestimate their cyber risk. In a survey of 924 SME employees, 49% reported experiencing a serious cyber incident in the past three months, yet only 22% rated the threat to their company as high. The perception gap is larger among very small firms (38% reported incidents; only 15% judged risk as significant). Deloitte warns that cyberattacks have increased in frequency and that cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to automate and refine attacks.
German Industry Struggles with Cyber Resilience Act
A Retail-News article (29 Aug 2026) reports on the ONEKEY “IoT & OT Cybersecurity Report 2026”, finding many German companies are insufficiently prepared for the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The study shows significant gaps in awareness, with 45% of firms little or not familiar with CRA requirements, limited knowledge of the first reporting deadline (11 September 2026), and slow progress on risk management, documentation, SBOMs, security updates and 24-hour incident reporting. The report warns that AI-driven attacks and the complexity of software transparency increase urgency. Many companies aim for full compliance by December 2027 but need to accelerate implementation.
German Firms Show High Digital Dependencies: Capgemini Study
A Capgemini Research Institute study reveals that digital sovereignty has become a strategic management priority globally, with 93% of organizations discussing it at board level. However, only 59% see full technological independence as unrealistic, leading many to adopt 'resilient interdependence.' German companies show particularly high dependencies, with 94% exhibiting significant reliance on external tech suppliers, the highest among surveyed countries. The study highlights AI as a priority action area for 75% globally and 82% in Germany. Key challenges include vendor lock-in, with 36% of firms needing over 12 months to switch critical providers, and a lack of transparency, as only 14% have full visibility into their dependencies. Despite these risks, less than half are willing to pay extra for sovereignty, though those willing would accept a 23% premium.
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