Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize numerous areas of application. However, the associated benefits also pose new challenges for cyber security. The manipulation of training data and models can lead AI to make wrong decisions. The lack of explainability of AI also makes risk assessment more difficult and opens up new opportunities for attackers. They use AI to quickly and adaptively circumvent defense measures, develop new attack methods and bypass security mechanisms. In this session, we will therefore discuss approaches for the secure use of AI. We will look at ways to prevent the manipulation and misuse of AI and discuss strategies for detecting and defending against AI-based attacks. We will also look at the offensive use of AI by the defense and discuss how this new dimension of cybersecurity can shape the future of IT security. Our goal is to raise participants' awareness of the cybersecurity risks of AI, develop strategies for the safe use of AI and promote an open dialog between experts.

The cybersecurity of critical infrastructure is essential for our social well-being, but at the same time it is also an immense challenge - in technical, organizational and regulatory terms. The digitalization of value chains makes this infrastructure more vulnerable to cyberattacks, which have been actively carried out by both private and state actors over the past two years. Additional challenges arise from non-technical aspects: 70% of critical infrastructure in Germany is privately owned. With the expansion of the scope of NIS2, the number of companies covered by the KRITIS regulation is estimated to increase fivefold. In these companies, structures and security measures must be set up quickly, while at the same time resources are scarce on the market. In this session, we will focus on the threats that specifically affect industry and critical infrastructure. We will discuss approaches and incentives to effectively protect the operators of industrial facilities. We will examine both practicable solutions and the question of what measures need to be taken by politicians and industry to ensure the security of critical infrastructure.

In a world that is increasingly dependent on digital technology, cyber security is more important than ever. Cyberattacks can have devastating consequences for both companies and individuals. It is therefore essential to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect the digital world. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It is therefore important that all stakeholders - businesses, authorities and academia - work together to protect the digital world. The cyber security threat landscape is constantly evolving. It is therefore important that processes are found to continuously adapt our IT systems to the new IT security situation. A strong cyber security strategy includes clear responsibilities and implementation of common IT security standards. This session will look at how we can work together across sector boundaries to sustainably protect the digital world from cyberattacks and ensure the security of all stakeholders.

The increasing use of cyber operations as a political tool poses a serious challenge to international security. In recent years, several states have successfully used offensive cyberattacks to support their political agenda. The hybrid war in Ukraine and the disinformation campaigns in European countries and North America illustrate the explosive nature of this development. Both in times of peace and war, states, companies, institutions and the population are equally affected by the consequences. In this session, we will examine the latest developments in international conflict zones, take a look at future strategic and technological developments such as the role of AI, and discuss what mechanisms are available to protect companies, infrastructure, democracy and citizens.

The targeted and systematic spread of disinformation by various actors has become a serious problem in recent years. These campaigns aim to influence public opinion, manipulate elections and destabilize political processes. The revelations about troll farms used by governments and commercial service providers show how far-reaching these activities already are. The upcoming elections this year provide an ideal target for disinformation campaigns as they have the potential for major change. In this session, we will shed light on the topic of disinformation, talk about actors and their motivation and discuss ways to make our society more resistant to influence.

The past few years have been marked by numerous cyber security incidents that have exposed our vulnerability. The topic has reached the center of society and has left behind its status as a niche topic for specialists. Despite the increased awareness, the implementation of effective security measures remains a challenge. In this session, we will discuss strategies for anchoring and implementing cyber security in organizations with various stakeholders. What can we learn from past mistakes, what measures and approaches have proven successful? What do the latest developments in the threat situation mean for my organization, and what should the cyber security of the future look like?