The State Commissioner for Data Protection and Access to Information Brandenburg ('Brandenburg LDA') published, on 15 March 2022, a press release noting that IT security is becoming increasingly important. In particular, Dagmar Hartge, the State Commissioner of Brandenburg LDA, stated that ­­­the many reports of data protection breaches received daily make it clear that data protection only works if the security of IT systems is guaranteed. Brandenburg LDA further clarified that, unlike in the past, a small vulnerability can quickly affect the fundamental rights of a huge number of data subjects and existing regulations for technical and organisational data protection measures must therefore actually be implemented. Moreover, Brandenburg LDA stated that, the state has a responsibility to offer its digital services in a secure manner and that customers may expect companies to process their data in accordance with the law.

In addition, Brandenburg LDA noted that ransomware, password phishing, and the current danger of cyberattacks also show how important it is that administrations and companies themselves establish mechanisms that guarantee data protection and IT security from the outset, continuously check their effectiveness, and adapt them to new threat situations. Furthermore, Brandenburg LDA stated as technological development will continue, data protection will have to adapt more to the use of artificial intelligence and ubiquitous data processing in the future.

You can read the press release, only available in German, here.