Incident Response Firms in Germany
4 vetted firms with German DSGVO expertise and BfDI notification experience. All provide 24/7 emergency response across Germany.
German Incident Response Landscape
DSGVO Requirements
The DSGVO (German implementation of GDPR) requires notification to the BfDI or state data protection authority within 72 hours. Germany has 16 state authorities plus the BfDI for federal matters.
- • BfDI notification: 72 hours
- • Individual notification: Without undue delay
- • Maximum fine: €20M or 4% turnover
BSI & KRITIS
The BSI (Federal Office for Information Security) oversees critical infrastructure (KRITIS) cybersecurity. KRITIS operators face additional incident reporting requirements under IT-Sicherheitsgesetz.
- • KRITIS: Immediate BSI notification
- • NIS2 Directive: EU-wide implementation (2024)
- • BSI standards: IT-Grundschutz framework
Industry-Specific Requirements
German organizations in finance (BaFin supervision), healthcare (SGB V), and telecommunications (TKG) face sector-specific breach notification and security requirements on top of DSGVO obligations.
German Incident Response Firms
Hiring an IR Firm in Germany
What to Look For
✅ Regulatory Expertise
- • BfDI and state authority notification experience
- • DSGVO compliance knowledge
- • BSI IT-Grundschutz familiarity
- • KRITIS requirements (if applicable)
✅ Response Capabilities
- • 24/7 German-language support
- • Local presence for on-site response
- • Retainer options for priority service
- • Cyber insurance integration experience
Critical Questions (Kritische Fragen)
- 1. How many DSGVO breach notifications have you filed? Look for firms with extensive BfDI and state authority filing experience.
- 2. Do you provide German-language reporting? Regulatory filings, stakeholder communications, and documentation often require German.
- 3. What is your relationship with BSI? For KRITIS operators or nation-state incidents, BSI coordination is critical.
- 4. Can you support our industry's specific requirements? Finance (BaFin), healthcare (SGB V), and telecom (TKG) have additional obligations.
- 5. What are your retainer terms? Monthly retainers (€4K-€12K) provide priority response and 20-30% cost savings.
Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)
What are the GDPR notification requirements in Germany?
Under GDPR (DSGVO in German), German organizations must notify the Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit (BfDI) or relevant state data protection authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach. Failure to notify can result in fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover.
Should I hire a German-based incident response firm?
German-based firms offer deep understanding of DSGVO requirements, relationships with BfDI and state authorities, and familiarity with BSI (Federal Office for Information Security) standards. They also provide German-language reporting and communication, which can be critical for regulatory filings and stakeholder management.
What is the average cost of incident response in Germany?
German incident response costs typically range from €20,000-€60,000 for small to medium incidents, and €120,000+ for complex breaches. Hourly rates for specialized IR consultants range from €200-€450. Retainer arrangements (€4,000-€12,000/month) provide priority response and cost savings.
Do I need to notify BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik)?
Critical infrastructure operators (KRITIS) under the IT-Sicherheitsgesetz must notify BSI of significant security incidents without delay. For other organizations, BSI notification is voluntary but recommended, especially for incidents involving state actors or sophisticated attacks.