intelligence services. The BfV will also increase its efforts to fight cyber attacks with an extremist or terrorist background. An early-warning system for cyber attacks from abroad As mandated by law, the BND monitors cyber spying and other cyber attacks from abroad targeting government and/or critical infrastructures in Germany and can send potential targets an early warning to take the necessary defensive action (Signals Intelligence Support to Cyber Defence (SSCD)). In this way, the BND is using IT specialists and experienced analysts to create an early-warning system for cyber attacks. Once detected, attacks are assessed in terms of their quantity and quality in order to get a picture of the current threat situation. Centre for Information Technology of Security Authorities (ZITiS) The national security authorities must be as effective in the digital environment as in other areas. To help them with their operational cyber capabilities and to take advantage of synergies, a centre for technical support for the federal security and expert authorities, including the intelligence services, is being set up within the remit of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The centre’s tasks will be supportive and based on those of the authorities they serve. Development, support and advising the security authorities will have priority. This Centre for Information Technology of Security Authorities (ZITiS) will work closely with these authorities to develop the necessary methods, products and strategies for the security authorities to use in their operations. ZITiS itself will have no operational powers. Strengthening the defensive aspects of cyber security As a military part of overall defence, cyber defence is a constitutionally mandated task of the Bundeswehr and is subject to national and international rules governing Bundeswehr operations. According to the 2016 White Paper, defensive aspects of national cyber security are the originary responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Bundeswehr. Cyber prevention, foreign and international cyber security policy and cyber defence are three supplementary means to achieve cyber security. The defence capabilities of the Bundeswehr in cyberspace are also an integral part of cyber security architecture. This is demonstrated by the similar content in the technical implementation of protective measures 24