21.05.2026 | 2 Images

Cybersecurity as a collective responsibility: two-thirds of German companies rely on IT security providers

A G DATA study shows that the business sector relies on service providers for IT security

Companies in Germany are increasingly turning to service providers to ensure effective cybersecurity. This is one of the findings of the report “Cybersicherheit in Zahlen” by G DATA CyberDefense, Statista and brand eins. 63 per cent of companies work with IT security providers, and almost a third (32 per cent) with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). The third most common form of collaboration involves industry-specific networks and initiatives. The results show that IT security is increasingly becoming a joint effort between companies and external specialists.

Defending against cyberattacks requires more than just choosing the right technical solutions. It is often necessary to engage an external service provider in order to meet the increasing demands on IT security. Such providers possess the necessary expertise and sufficient numbers of specialist staff. The business sector often lacks this. The representative study “Cybersicherheit in Zahlen” shows that service partners are becoming increasingly important for the German economy. Only around one in twenty companies (6 percent) manages its IT security without external help.

“Cybersecurity is now a collective endeavour: no company needs to tackle the growing challenges alone. Close cooperation with specialist service providers, strong networks and reliable partners creates the foundation for managing digital risks whilst simultaneously strengthening innovation and trust. Particularly in view of increasing regulatory requirements such as NIS-2, the exchange of knowledge and experience is becoming increasingly important for embedding security in companies in a sustainable and responsible manner”, says Andreas Lüning, co-founder and CEO of G DATA CyberDefense.

Industry-specific collaboration is important
Many companies make use of industry-specific networks and initiatives when it comes to IT security. These include, for example, partnerships with universities or, in the case of towns and districts, local procurement associations. The exchange of information and experience thus becomes an important component of modern security strategies. The main reason for this is the increasing complexity of the threat landscape, but also of the regulatory framework. For example, NIS-2 sets complex standards for the cyber security of companies across various sectors of the economy. Furthermore, many cyber attacks affect entire supply chains or sectors simultaneously. Exchange within networks and research collaborations helps organisations to learn from one another and work together to ensure greater IT security.

Cybersicherheit in Zahlen for download
“Cybersicherheit in Zahlen” has now been published for the fifth time and is characterised by a high density of information and particular methodological depth: more than 5,000 employees in Germany were surveyed as part of a representative online study on cybersecurity in both professional and private contexts. The experts at Statista closely monitored the survey and, thanks to a sample size far exceeding the industry standard, are able to present reliable and valid market research findings in the “Cybersicherheit in Zahlen” magazine. Furthermore, the market researchers have compiled figures, data and facts from more than 300 statistics into a comprehensive reference work on IT security.

You can download “Cybersicherheit in Zahlen” here.

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With holistic cyber defence services, G DATA CyberDefense makes you defensible against cybercrime. The renowned IT security company protects with AI technologies, endpoint protection, security monitoring and offers penetration tests, incident response and awareness training in order to secure companies in the best possible way.

G DATA CyberDefense AG supports its customers in every security situation. From the headquarters in Bochum, more than 550 employees ensure the digital security of companies, critical infrastructures such as hospitals or airports as well as millions of private users. With almost 40 years of expertise in malware analysis, G DATA has become a top player in the cybersecurity world and conducts research and software development exclusively in Germany. This also applies to service and support, which is available around the clock for customers all over the world. G DATA security solutions are available in more than 90 countries and have received numerous awards from independent test institutes.