How BDBOS Protect it's Nationwide Critical Communications Network in Germany

ALDB establishes a shift-capable Security Operations Center (SOC) for BDBOS in record time.

On behalf of the Federal Institute for Digital Radio of Authorities and Organizations with Security Tasks (BDBOS), ALDB GmbH is responsible for monitoring the nationwide digital radio system for the communication of authorities and organizations with security tasks. The company is responsible for the technical operation of the BOS digital radio network around the clock. In addition, ALDB received an order from the BDBOS to set up a shift-capable Security Operations Center (SOC) for both the BOS digital radio network and the federal networks.

The task of this unit is to provide a security service to prevent all cyber risks. While a Network Operations Center (NOC) serves to centrally monitor and support the operation of a network, the SOC protects these systems.

Security gaps or cyber attacks can have fatal consequences for the critical infrastructure in Germany. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) emphasizes in a statement on the state of IT security in 2022 that the threat situation in cyberspace is higher than ever. Against this background, ALDB has assumed significant responsibility since July 2023. It operates a unique competence center for IT security in Germany: the BDBOS Security Operations Center (SOC). As in a kind of central control center, a team of ALDB experts monitors and protects mission-critical communication networks, which include the radio network of police, fire departments, and aid and rescue services.

First contact for operational security aspects 

The BDBOS Security Operations Center was set up in record time. Within just two years, the federal authority and the ALDB worked closely together to set up the complex IT infrastructure of the SOC and the connection of the critical networks for monitoring them. In addition, they managed to build up an experienced team of IT security experts.

The tasks of the SOC team include predicting, detecting and dealing with IT-based attacks on the communication networks. The Security Operations Center of the BDBOS and the authorized bodies is available around the clock and 365 days a year as a central contact for the operational security of the network infrastructure.

Developing individual protection mechanisms

The architecture of the Security Operations Center is designed in such a way that it allows it to be expanded to include additional critical networks at any time. For connected SOC networks, IT security experts define individually suitable data sources and measurement values ​​for monitoring. The detection mechanisms and response measures established are based on the highest security and industry standards and guarantee that risks are dealt with immediately to protect the networks.

Threats from IT-based attacks such as hacking, phishing or denial of service as well as security gaps, vulnerabilities or the detection of unprivileged users are averted before any damage can occur.

When necessary, the ALDB team of experts coordinate both standardized and non-standardized response measures with the BDBOS and initiates tailored steps together with it until all risks have been fully addressed. In its work in the SOC, the ALDB not only draws on its expertise in IT security, but also on its many years of experience in the technical operation of critical networks. This bundling of specialist expertise allows a deep understanding of all security aspects and needs of the respective networks and how to deal with them.

SOC for the BOS digital radio

The BOS digital radio network plays the central role in the exchange of tap-proof, comprehensive and interference-free communication between police forces, fire departments and other authorities and organizations with security tasks throughout Germany. In order to protect this critical communication even better from current IT threats, the BOS digital radio network is one of the first connected networks of the SOC.

The continuous monitoring of network data and the establishment of tailor-made mechanisms enable "real-time" protection of the BOS digital radio. Another integral part of the prevention of IT threats are regular exercise scenarios in which processes, communication channels and emergencies are simulated. The BDBOS Security Operations Center has made it its mission to use future-oriented innovations to drive forward the continuous development of the protection of communication networks at the highest level of security. As part of its work, the SOC team is in close contact with representatives of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), those responsible for the networks and the BDBOS in order to comprehensively meet all IT security needs.