The threat of industrial espionage and cybercrime remains high for German companies. According to recent studies, 81% of companies have been affected by data theft, industrial espionage or sabotage in the last twelve months, with the majority of damage being caused by cyber attacks. The damage caused is estimated at 267 billion euros. A Bitkom study shows that 8 out of 10 companies in Germany have been affected by data theft, industrial espionage or sabotage. 
52% of companies see their existence threatened by cyber attacks. Cybercrime is the biggest threat to the German economy, with ransomware attacks, phishing, attacks on passwords and malware being the main causes of damage. 
The boundaries between organised crime and state-controlled actors are blurred.