Review of the webinar “Cybersecurity for SMEs”

13.11.2025 Daniela Musial-Lemberg News

On November 5, 2025, the IHK webinar “IT Security for SMEs: Threat Situation and Modern Defense” took place – a resounding success with around 30 enthusiastic participants, exciting keynote speeches, and numerous questions from the audience.

As co-organizers, we are delighted with the high level of interest and lively discussion surrounding current challenges and solutions in the field of IT security.

After a welcome address by Dr. Marc Mühleck (IHK Karlsruhe), Manuel Bach (Federal Office for Information Security, BSI) gave an overview of the current threat situation in Germany and showed how companies can respond to the increasing dynamics in cyberspace.

Sérgio Marschall (FZI Research Center for Information Technology) then presented the services offered by the Cybersecurity Transfer Center and demonstrated in a practical way how knowledge transfer and networking support companies in their everyday work.

A particular highlight was the three short presentations by innovative startups from the StartUpSecure KASTEL community, which impressed with their technological and practical approaches:

– Dr. Florian Patzer (Nodeline): “AI-based, secure system integration – How data flows can be integrated into your security architecture”
– Adam Lundqvist (SQUR): “Offensive security with AI”
– Maximilian von Lonski (VISS): “Hardware instead of hope: Security starts at the endpoint”

Finally, Oliver Weber (Makro Factory GmbH & Co. KG) highlighted practical measures for preparing for security incidents under the title “Business continuity instead of business chaos – Strategies for emergencies.”

All three startups — Nodeline, SQUR, and VISS — provided impressive insights into modern technologies and creative security strategies. The positive response and keen interest from the audience demonstrate how relevant and urgent the topic of IT security remains for SMEs.

We would like to thank all the speakers and participants for the open exchange and inspiring contributions. Together, we were able to make an important contribution to raising awareness and strengthening cybersecurity in the region.