BSI ID: G 0.34

An attack can threaten an institution, certain areas of the institution or individual persons. There are many technical means of carrying out an attack: throwing bricks, explosions using explosives, the use of firearms, arson. Whether and to what extent an institution is exposed to the risk of an attack depends not only on the location and surroundings of the building, but also to a large extent on its tasks and the political and social climate. Companies and authorities operating in politically controversial areas are more at risk than others. Institutions located near areas where demonstrations are common are more at risk than those in remote locations. In Germany, the state criminal investigation offices or the Federal Criminal Police Office can be consulted for advice on assessing the risk or in the event of suspected threats of politically motivated attacks.

Examples:

• In the 1980s, an explosive attack was carried out on the computer centre of a large federal authority in Cologne. The explosive device's powerful blast destroyed not only windows and walls, but also many IT systems in the computer centre.

• The attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on 11 September 2001 not only killed many people, but also destroyed numerous IT facilities. As a result, several companies had considerable difficulties continuing their business activities.