Brandenburg's universities unite forces against cyber threats!

Brandenburg's universities unite forces against cyber threats!

On July 28, 2025, eight universities in Brandenburg launched an ambitious project to improve information security. Under the title “Information Security in the Network” (InfoSec), the universities are working together to strengthen IT security against increasing cyber threats. The project management is the responsibility of the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) and the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences.

The project is scheduled to run for five years and will be supported by the Brandenburg University Center for Digital Transformation (ZDT) with funding of almost 2.7 million euros until the end of 2029. The aim is to achieve maturity for certification according to recognized IT security standards.

Universities involved and measures

The participating universities include:

• Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg
• Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF
• Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung (HNE) Eberswalde
• Technische Hochschule Brandenburg
• Technische Hochschule Wildau
• Universität Potsdam

Several measures are already planned as part of the project to increase IT security. These include:

• Awareness-Workshops für Hochschulleitungen und Rechenzentren
• Notfallübungen und -pläne
• Regelmäßiger Austausch über Sicherheitskonzepte
• Planung konkreter technischer Maßnahmen zur Steigerung der IT-Sicherheit

Background and necessity

The need for such a project is underpinned by the increasing threat of cybercrime. Experts point out that risks in the digital space are increasing and legal requirements are becoming increasingly strict. Information security structures are therefore essential for the smooth operation of research, teaching and administration at universities.

Another central aspect of the project is the creation of a uniform standard that serves as a basis of trust for cooperation with external business partners. The universities hope that the improved level of security will not only increase their own IT security, but also gain the trust of their partners in order to be able to successfully organize future collaborations. The collaboration within the InfoSec project is therefore a groundbreaking step for higher education in Brandenburg.

How n-tv As stated, the initiative is not only supported by the universities themselves, but is also aimed at society in order to create broader awareness of IT security issues. The commitment of these institutions shows that the challenges of the digital world are taken seriously and that efforts are being made to prepare for them as best as possible.

Reported in summary europa-uni.de that through continued collaboration and targeted measures within the Brandenburg InfoSec project, we are on the way to creating a leading example of security standards in the higher education sector. This project is not only a benefit for the universities involved, but also for the entire region.

For other federal states, the Brandenburg model could be a template for similar initiatives that counteract increasing cyber crime in an increasingly digitalized world.

In summary, the “Information Security in the Network” project is seen as an essential step in meeting the challenges of modern information security north courier reported. The committed cooperation between universities sends an important signal for security and trust in educational and research institutions.