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BSI - Federal Ministry for Security in Information Technology
The German Federal Ministry for Security in Information Technology (BSI) is the country's top IT security authority. It started operating in 1991 and is located in Bonn.
The BSI's Legal framework comprises of the law for the construction of the Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology, out of which the Law for Enforcing Security in Information Technology was developed in 2009. This law is still valid within the BSI today.
Tasks of the BSI Federal Ministry for Security in Information Technology:
The BSI is organised in 5 subdivisions: Division B (advice and coordination), Division C (cyber security), Division KT (crypto-technology), Division S (secure identities, certification and standardisation) und Division Z (central tasks).
Under § 3 of BSI law, the tasks of BSI are defined as:
defense against security hazards in information technology in Germany
collation and analysis of security risks
study of security risks and development of safety measures
development of criteria and procedures for the checking and assessment of security in information technologies
checking, assessment and distribution of security certificates, as well as confirming the comfortability of IT systems
checking, assessment and approval of IT systems, which work with and transfer secret official information
establishment of cryptographic and security management systems
supporting, preparing and running technical checks
developing technical security requirements the national information technology
provision of IT security products for national positions
supporting the police force, prosecuting authorities and protection of constitutional agencies and intelligence services
providing advice and warning regarding technological security
setting up appropriate communication structures for early detection of, reaction to and overcoming crises.
The BSI Federal Ministry for Security in Information Technology as certifying authority
Under section 9 (1) of BSI law, the Federal Ministry for Security in Information Technology is designated as the national certifying authority for IT security in Germany. Details about the functions of the certifying authority are laid out in the "Procedures, handing out security certificates and the federal recognition of security in information technology (BSI certification and recognition regulations act" (BSIZertV).