The Bottom Line: A well-thought-out forensic readiness strategy with logging infrastructure, inventorying all network assets, and a predefined crisis team shortens downtime and secures evidence with legal force.
Forensic readiness accelerates both operational recovery and investigation by IT forensics experts following a cyberattack. Germany is in the spotlight in 2025 for cyber extortion, with mid-market companies increasingly targeted.
The cyber threat pressure on German companies is growing continuously. Google Threat Intelligence identifies Germany in 2025 as a top target for cyber extortion in Europe. The Federal Criminal Police Office recorded a total of 333,268 reported cybercrime offenses in 2024 with total damage of 178.6 billion euros. The mid-market sector ranks among the most attractive attack targets, as attackers often encounter less robust defense systems there than in large corporations.
Forensic readiness addresses a frequently overlooked aspect of IT security: proactive preparation for legally compliant evidence preservation in the event of an attack. An effective concept rests on three pillars: first, the implementation of logging and storage solutions (such as dedicated log servers and encrypted data channels) that create visibility in IT infrastructure; second, the documentation of all devices connected to the network – from computers and smartphones to printers and production machines – as well as the cloud applications in use; third, the establishment of secure communication channels through which incident-related information flows together centrally.
Operational implementation is carried out through a company-wide crisis team with representatives from IT, security, and legal. This team defines clear roles and decision-making processes in advance: who informs management, who disconnects endangered systems, who engages external incident response experts? Regular training – both theoretical tabletop exercises and practical simulations – verify the coherence of these processes and strengthen operational response capability.
Beyond internal preparation, the early engagement of external IT forensics specialists is part of a sustainable forensic readiness strategy. These experts minimize damage, secure evidence in forensically correct manner, and enable complete incident reconstruction. Companies that have taken such precautions not only reduce the duration of operational disruption but also establish the foundation for credible investigations and damage claims.
Source: www.it-daily.net · Published 16 June 2026
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