Cybersecurity: Overcoming IT specialists shortages in the DACH region

Digital processes and networking have long been part of everyday life for companies in the DACH region and are crucial for competition. However, with the rapid development of the IT landscape, the requirements for security and the protection of digital assets are also increasing. At the same time, increasing cyber threats and the shortage of IT specialists are making it more difficult to implement reliable protective measures.

According to Bitkom, around 72% of all companies in Germany were victims of cyberattacks in 2023, with the damage caused by cybercrime estimated at around 206 billion euros - and the trend is rising.

Our subsidiary, TestSolutions Rwanda, is very experienced when it comes to security testing. Read the payment app case studies on testing an encrypted iOS messaging app and on testing a fintech payment platform to get an overview.

Like us, our subsidiary is committed to embedding security deep into the software development lifecycle. Below, Emmanual Turatsinze, Consultant at TestSolutions Rwanda, explains why cybersecurity and comprehensive software testing are not separate entities, but rather closely linked disciplines - both essential to building a secure and reliable digital ecosystem.

Actively countering cyber threats

The number of new vulnerabilities in software is constantly increasing: in 2024, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) reported an average of 41 new vulnerabilities every month, particularly in critical perimeter systems such as firewalls and VPNs. In light of this development, it is more important than ever to identify and minimize cyber risks at an early stage.

A proactive approach, in which cyber security and software testing are closely interlinked, forms the basis for a robust security architecture. Targeted tests - such as static and dynamic analyses, penetration tests and exploratory tests - can be used to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities as early as the development process. If these measures are consistently integrated into all phases of software development, the risk of successful attacks is significantly reduced and sensitive company and customer data is effectively protected.

In addition to protection against attacks, compliance with legal requirements is also crucial: structured software tests help companies to comply with strict data protection requirements such as the GDPR. They help to reduce the risk of high fines, which have already been imposed in the billions across Europe since the regulation came into force. Regular testing also strengthens the trust of customers and partners, ensures business continuity and protects the brand in the long term.

Our global expertise for your security

The shortage of IT and, in particular, cybersecurity experts poses major challenges for companies in the DACH region: According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), there will be a shortage of over 128,000 skilled workers in digitalization professions in Germany by 2027, particularly in the field of IT security.

Through targeted training and investment in digital transformation, Rwanda has become an important location for highly qualified cybersecurity and software quality experts.

TestSolutions Rwanda leverages this potential and offers companies in the DACH region access to specialized, cost-efficient expertise.

In this way, we can compensate for the shortage of specialists in a targeted manner and together strengthen digital security and quality in the long term - through continuous testing, knowledge sharing and international best practices.

More than just testing: a holistic security strategy

Software tests are a central component of IT security, but only develop their full effect as part of a holistic security strategy. This includes secure development practices, regular updates, employee training and clear emergency plans. Here, too, we can advise and are experienced: For example, we worked on the IT security strategy of a major airline.

A security culture in which protective measures are integrated into all processes is crucial. For TestSolutions, cyber security and software testing are therefore not just technical tasks, but the basis for a secure digital future.

The digital transformation calls for new approaches to cyber security and quality assurance.

Global partnerships such as the one with TestSolutions Rwanda offer companies in the DACH region the opportunity to strengthen their digital resilience - efficiently, sustainably and future-proof.

We would be happy to advise you on your specific problem.