After a confidential report by the Federal Court of Auditors highlighted IT deficiencies at Autobahn GmbH, politicians from every party have raised alarms. The state‑owned company manages a critical national infrastructure that spans more than 13,000 kilometres of highway.
Marc Henrichmann of the CDU, chair of the Intelligence‑Control Board, told Handelsblatt that this situation represents a “warning shot”. He stressed that cyber‑security is a key component of national resilience, especially for critical infrastructure, and that there must be clear responsibilities, consistent standards, and an overarching strategic ownership. Lapses in these areas, he warned, threaten the country’s fundamental supply arteries.
Spokesman for the SPD’s digital policy, Johannes Schätzl, described the allegations as “concerning”. He said that such serious cyber‑security gaps in a state‑owned firm are unacceptable and must be addressed comprehensively both structurally and practically. In light of rising geopolitical threats, the transport sector, he added, deserves special protection, and clear IT ownership and digital sovereignty should be the highest priorities.
Concurrently, Greens deputy chair Konstantin von Notz highlighted the persistently high threat level, noting that almost daily serious attacks target critical infrastructures-particularly the transport sector. He argued that securing IT systems is no longer a “nice‑to‑have” but an essential requirement, and he criticized the federal government’s shortcomings, urging that the deficiencies at Autobahn GmbH be “eliminated as soon as possible”.
According to Handelsblatt, the Court of Auditors cited a lack of central IT responsibility and organisational shortcomings in its assessment. Autobahn GmbH has acknowledged these lapses and announced a revision of its IT strategy.
