IT Security: BSI Handbook for Company Management
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has published a new handbook aimed specifically at executives and board members. The goal: strengthening corporate resilience through a deeper understanding of cyber risks at the management level.
Cyber Security as a Leadership Responsibility
Digital transformation can only succeed if management actively understands and manages information security risks. The new BSI handbook “Management of Cyber Risks” highlights that cyber security is no longer a purely technical matter—it’s a strategic leadership issue that affects governance, reputation, and business continuity.
About the BSI Cyber Risk Handbook
The publication is based on the U.S. “Cyber Risk Oversight Handbook” developed by the Internet Security Alliance (ISA) for the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The BSI has translated and adapted it to meet German and European regulatory conditions in cooperation with experts from business, IT security, and academia.
Six Core Principles for Management and Supervisory Boards
- View cyber security as a fundamental component of enterprise-wide risk management, not just an IT issue.
- Understand the legal and compliance implications of cyber threats and data breaches.
- Ensure access to cyber security expertise and establish regular reporting and review processes.
- Implement standardized frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001) and allocate sufficient resources for cyber risk management.
- Conduct structured risk analyses and define your company’s individual risk appetite.
- Promote a company-wide culture of collaboration, awareness, and sharing of best practices.
Implementation Support and Resources
The BSI handbook and its accompanying toolkit provide concrete recommendations for strategic cyber risk management. They can be downloaded directly from the BSI website in both German and English versions.
Strengthen Your IT Security with centron
Effective cyber risk management requires not only awareness but also reliable infrastructure. At centron, we offer ISO 27001-certified hosting environments, Managed Firewall Solutions and cProtect Ransomware Protection to safeguard your digital assets and ensure compliance with national and EU standards.
In a nutshell
Cyber security begins at the top. The BSI’s “Management of Cyber Risks” handbook gives executives the knowledge they need to align business strategy and information security. Combining leadership commitment with secure infrastructure – as provided by centron – builds the foundation for a resilient and future-ready organization.
