Cyber SecurityMay 2, 20264 min read
Cybercrime in Germany in 2026
A short snapshot of the cybercrime picture in Germany in 2026 — who is being targeted, which tactics dominate, and what defenders should prioritise.
DE
DataExpert Editorial
Cyber team
Germany remains one of the most attractive targets for cybercriminals in Europe. With its dense industrial base, large public sector and export-driven economy, the country continues to absorb a steady stream of ransomware, fraud and supply-chain incidents in 2026.
Who is being targeted
Mittelstand manufacturers, automotive suppliers, healthcare providers and municipal administrations remain the most-hit segments. Attackers go where downtime is expensive and IT budgets are stretched thin.
Dominant tactics in 2026
- Ransomware with double extortion — encryption plus data leak threats.
- Business email compromise targeting finance and procurement teams.
- Supply-chain intrusions through managed service providers and software vendors.
- Credential theft via info-stealer malware sold on underground markets.
What defenders should prioritise
- Multi-factor authentication on every external account, including service accounts where possible.
- Hardening and monitoring of remote access and identity infrastructure.
- Tested, offline backups and a documented restore playbook.
- Tabletop exercises that include legal, communications and the executive board.