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Security risks have changed over time. Despite robust technology, even minor disruptions can cause a society’s vital infrastructures to break down. Moreover, global mobility enables the spread of risks. Big events can also pose a challenge to security technology, and groups with criminal intentions can cause substantial damage. How can research help to prevent disaster? How can public security be improved? These are the questions addressed by security research projects in the Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy.

Germany's highly efficient infrastructures are strongly networked and highly automated - which also makes them sensitive and vulnerable. The Federal Government aims to provide the highest possible level of security. For example, appropriate provisions have been introduced to prevent hazardous substances from being brought into the country and avoid food and drinking water being polluted by harmful substances. With the help of civil security research, the Federal Government wants to develop concepts to safeguard the freedom of citizens in our modern industrialized society as effectively as possible.

In addition to protecting society from risks, security technology products and services also boost the economy. In 2008 the security sector had a sales volume of 20 billion euros in Germany alone; 4.8 billion euros (and growing) in the field of IT security. According to the OECD, growth rates of up to 7 percent per year are possible on the global market. In other words, security technologies provide international competitive advantages and are a real lead market.