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CANCOM Austria

CANCOM has had a strategic partnership with AI solution specialist ServiceNow for several years. What is the common goal? Jochen Borenich. The aim of this collaboration is to provide state-of-the-art digital solutions and AI-supported value-added services for SMEs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in order to drive forward the digital transformation - towards greater productivity, efficiency and cost optimisation. The aim is for SMEs to become more competitive by integrating AI-driven data and processes into digital workflows. What does ServiceNow stand for and how does it differ from a traditional enterprise resource planning system? Vesna Glatz. Our AI platform connects people, processes, data and devices to increase productivity and maximise results. ServiceNow gives companies a centralised operating system for work. Instead of managing many separate processes and systems, processes, data and services converge on a unified platform. ERP is a reflection of the past: stable core transactions, clearly defined processes, little change. ServiceNow shapes the future: dynamic processes, quick decisions, end-to-end controllability across all areas. ERP keeps the company stable. ServiceNow makes it agile, adaptable and future-proof. "One platform for everything"? Glatz. Yes, one platform instead of many individual solutions creates clarity: one data model, one process logic, one security framework. This makes change easier, speed higher and controllability better. In an environment that is constantly changing, this controllability becomes a decisive success factor. Companies increasingly find themselves in complex, dynamic contexts, but at the same time often have rigid structures. ServiceNow is the technological platform that breaks down silos and creates flexibility. One Platform is the architecture that will support a company for years to come - regardless of growth or complexity. And the combination of ServiceNow plus CANCOM works because ... Borenich. Because it combines platform expertise with implementation experience and an end-to-end approach to both technical and organisational anchoring. We also benefit from the fact that we ourselves have been using ServiceNow at CANCOM since 2019. ServiceNow was "born in the cloud", i.e. developed to be cloud-native from the outset. Why is that? Glatz. This makes the platform light, stable and consistent. We operate it globally ourselves, but we can also provide it on hyperscalers, in local data centres or on sovereign solutions such as Stackit. The architecture always remains the same. Only the operating model is based on the requirements of the core business. This stands for the aforementioned flexibility. Artificial intelligence is at the centre of the digital transformation. Expectations seem to be just as high as the reluctance of many companies to strategically integrate AI. Borenich. After the hype, which is accompanied by exaggerated expectations, there is usually a period of disillusionment. For many, there is a lack of clarity about what AI can already achieve in a company and where development time is still needed. That's why advice is important. We see clarification as part of our service. And we focus on the implementation of functioning use cases that actually provide concrete benefits. This becomes clear with the Service-Now platform. This is how companies can be convinced. However, setting up AI applications requires the availability of data. Borenich. The availability of data and the generation of platforms are a basic prerequisite for the application of AI. The publicly available information on the internet is already integrated into the large models, but the greatest treasure trove of data that needs to be unearthed lies within the companies themselves. For example, in knowledge databases and collected by machines. Basically, it is about the beneficial digitalisation of business models and processes and, in this context, the transformation of IT from a cost centre to a solution centre. The focus is therefore on solving problems with the help of digital tools, in which AI applications are playing an increasingly important role. When it comes to AI, thought leaders are talking about an industrial revolution that is fundamentally changing the world of work and therefore production conditions. Do you agree with this? Glatz. Absolutely. Most people are still using AI like a tool. In the future, however, AI will become the control centre of companies. Today it takes over work; tomorrow it will control entire processes independently. It's not just about taking repetitive tasks off people's hands. It is about cognitive expansion and fusion. AI will become part of our judgement and decision-making ability. However, AI agents do not change who makes decisions, but rather how work is created. By summarising information and preparing options. Agents create speed and stability in the background. They therefore ensure fast operation, robustness and resilience. However, the key decisions remain with humans, who determine direction, quality and judgement. AI and humans as co-operation partners? Borenich. Ideally, it's about the optimal interplay of different competences - and using them in the right place. A concrete example. We have established that we have a so-called deflection rate of 80 per cent. In other words, 80 per cent of customer queries at the service desk can be resolved without human intervention thanks to AI. This saves human labour, which can be used in other, more meaningful areas. In other activities, AI applications become effective as support for intellectual, creative work. Another advantage of AI: as soon as a skill has been recognised and learned, it is available worldwide. Knowledge transfer can therefore take place within a fraction of a second. And AI is increasingly moving in the direction of physicality, with robotics and human-machine collaboration. These are also topics that will significantly change many work processes and make them more productive. If the advantages of AI-based digital transformations are so obvious, it is all the more sobering that Austria is falling behind internationally in this key technology. According to the McKinsey study "State of AI in Austria 2025", the AI maturity of Austrian companies is below the EU average. One conclusion of the study: in many companies, little to no increase in productivity has been achieved with artificial intelligence applications. Why is that? Glatz. Sometimes there is still a lack of judgement at board level and the right decision-making architecture in companies. In my opinion, an important step in the right direction would be to establish transparency as a corporate value. Then the decision-making logic will also change. Borenich. In difficult economic situations, many companies traditionally tend to economise. Promising projects are cancelled. The approach is simply too defensive. It's a mentality problem. If you fall back on old solutions to new problems, if you prefer to hesitate and see how others do it first - then you can't expect to be at the forefront. I think company managers need to realise that technology is the driving force behind the business model. The opportunities that this opens up should not be missed if you want to remain competitive. So productivity increases are indeed possible if you pull the right levers? Glatz. The productivity gains are realistic - if workflows are clearly defined, responsibilities are unambiguous and processes are linked end-to-end. Many companies today are losing speed because they rely on too many individual solutions that don't work together. The longer you wait, the greater the gap in international competition. The productivity lever does not come from more tools, but from a platform that eliminates friction, accelerates decisions and enables scaling. ABOUT SERVICENOW: ServiceNow has set itself the goal of making artificial intelligence usable for everyone. The ServiceNow AI platform for business transformation connects people, processes, data and devices to increase productivity and maximise business outcomes. ABOUT CANCOM: As a digital business provider, CANCOM supports companies, organisations and the public sector in the implementation of their digitalisation strategies. The CANCOM Group's offering includes solutions in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Security & Network, Datacenter & Cloud, IoT Solutions and Modern Workplace and includes services for the entire IT lifecycle - from the provision of IT infrastructures, planning and integration, to support, managed services and XaaS.

Vienna, October 2025 - CANCOM Austria has once again won a tender in the public sector. In addition to the possibility for federal offices throughout Austria to commission a central cloud telecommunications infrastructure or Unified Communications & Collaboration (UCC) via CANCOM Austria, which has existed since 2012, the digitization company has now also secured the framework agreement for an on-premise telecommunications infrastructure or UCC for federal states and municipalities. To date, the roll-out, operation and support of telecommunications systems for federal ministries and their downstream departments throughout Austria have been provided via several successive framework agreements. The solution is based on a private cloud infrastructure that is operated redundantly in two data centers and also has dedicated clusters for particularly sensitive institutions such as Parliament, the Public Employment Service, the Austrian President's Office and the Financial Market Authority. The solution is used to operate a total of around 60,000 workstations and 6,500 call center workstations, including around 5,500 in the Federal Ministry of Finance alone. More than 150 services - including "FinanzOnline" - are provided in this way. With this dimension, the installation is one of the largest central communication infrastructures in Europe. With the new framework agreement, CANCOM Austria is now extending its service portfolio to all provincial and municipal offices in Austria, in addition to the federal offices it has been supporting for many years. This includes the roll-out and maintenance of Voice-over-IP telephone systems and UCC applications such as e-mail, agent chat or chatbot integration for environments with up to 1,500 workstations. These include, for example, the City of Vienna with its district offices, municipalities, associations and fire departments. "These two framework agreements confirm the great trust that public clients place in our expertise. We are delighted to be able to make a decisive contribution to Austria's secure and modern communications infrastructure," says Michael Gindl, Project Manager at CANCOM Austria. About CANCOM Austria: As a leading digital business provider, CANCOM accompanies companies, organizations and the public sector into the digital future. The range of services and solutions includes classic system house IT solutions as well as data-based digital solutions, managed services and cloud services. We accompany the digital evolution of our customers with passion and technology and support them in reducing the complexity of their IT and developing new business models. We offer a holistic portfolio for all IT and business requirements. The CANCOM Group's offering includes innovative solutions in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Security & Network, Datacenter & Cloud, IoT Solutions and Modern Workplace and includes services for the entire IT lifecycle - from the provision of IT infrastructures, planning and integration, to support, managed services and XaaS. Customers benefit from the extensive expertise with which their diverse requirements are translated into concrete industry-specific IT solutions to significantly promote their business success. The more than 5,600 employees of the internationally active CANCOM Group with around 80 locations in the DACH region, Belgium, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic as well as an efficient partner network guarantee market presence and customer proximity. The CANCOM Group is managed by Rüdiger Rath (CEO) and Thomas Stark (CFO). The company is headquartered in Munich. CANCOM generated annual sales of around 1.7 billion euros in 2024. The Group parent company CANCOM SE is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the TecDAX and SDAX (ISIN DE0005419105).

The world of work is at a turning point: artificial intelligence (AI) is developing at a rapid pace and transforming not only processes but also entire organizational structures. Companies, public administration and institutions are currently experiencing a fundamental change that is no longer just about digitalization - it is about the productive interaction between man and machine, experience and algorithms, intuition and data intelligence. The key driver of this transformation is the increasing use of AI systems, which are effective to varying degrees depending on the complexity of the task and existing experience in the company. In areas with a high degree of standardization, AI agents are already performing repetitive tasks completely autonomously. In more complex, knowledge-intensive fields, however, hybrid working models are emerging: Humans work hand in hand with so-called "AI twins" - digital twins that mimic human behavior, provide suggestions, prepare decisions and ultimately relieve the workload or improve content and operations. Skills shortage as a catalyst The shortage of skilled workers is acting as a catalyst: companies are being forced to redistribute tasks and rethink skills with the help of technology. The "digital workforce" is growing - not through new hires, but through the targeted use of intelligent agents and helpers. The question is therefore no longer whether AI will be integrated into work, but how collaboration between human employees and digital actors can be organized efficiently and ethically. This also gives rise to a new understanding of operational management. The traditional manager as a decision-maker and supervisory authority is being supplemented by new roles - such as the "AI orchestrator". This role operates at the interface between technology, organization and people. These AI orchestrators need to understand which AI systems can be used for what, how human and machine skills complement each other and how new processes can be established. They not only manage teams, but also digital systems - and ensure transparent, trusting collaboration between humans and machines. Enormous potential This makes operational management more complex, but also more strategic. It must understand technological progress, accompany cultural change and create learning spaces. It needs a clear vision and new management principles that promote self-organization, responsibility and continuous development. At the same time, the organization must be prepared to question hierarchies, break down silos and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. It has been proven that companies that are among the digital champions have significantly stronger sales growth than those companies that have focused less on digitalization. The age of AI requires not only technological innovation, but above all organizational intelligence and courageous and transparent leadership. Companies that manage to actively shape this change can unleash enormous potential: for efficiency, for innovative strength and new operational value creation - and for a new quality of work. Jochen Borenich, CEO CANCOM Austria

Artificial intelligence has long since made the transition from research to everyday life. It can already be found in a wide range of value-added areas, especially in business applications - across all industries. AI-supported assistants, also known colloquially as bots, have become particularly well established. Whether for researching internal company knowledge or highly specialized in an area of activity such as customer service. These digital helpers "understand" natural language, answer more complex questions and suggest solutions - all in a matter of seconds. AI-supported chatbot for recurring routine enquiries "Many companies are currently focusing on making processes more efficient and reducing the workload of employees in the long term - whether by automating simple routines or by providing assistance with complex decisions," explains Manuel Moser, Director Digital Innovations & AI at CANCOM Austria. The spectrum of applications now ranges from simple knowledge bots to assistants that independently use company applications via so-called tools. Together with CANCOM, a large educational institution has added a digital colleague to its support center: an AI-supported chatbot that automates recurring inquiries about the educational offer and answers them around the clock. A previously high number of support requests on often the same topics, which were requested via several communication channels, could thus be resolved. These recurring routine inquiries put a strain on the support team, particularly at busy times. Protection mechanisms against misuse of the bot The first step was to implement the intelligent chatbot in the university's internal Study Support Center, which was then extended to the public website. Using a specially developed service, students and interested parties can submit their inquiries around the clock via self-service. Deep integration into the organization ensures that the data is up to date. The bot accesses heterogeneous knowledge about the range of courses on offer and thus provides targeted answers to enquiries. Inquiries outside the defined area are not answered. Protection mechanisms against misuse of the bot are also included. Significant reduction in the volume of inquiries in the support center "Our CANCOM Assistant has significantly reduced the volume of inquiries in the support center - with corresponding relief for employees at peak times. In addition, improved availability is ensured, as the information can be accessed around the clock," explains Manuel Moser from CANCOM Austria. The basis for the AI solution of the university educational institution is the CANCOM Assistant Suite, which supports companies across all industries in the use of state-of-the-art LLM (Large Language Models) technology. The suite ranges from low-threshold access to knowledge to autonomous AI agents that take on entire tasks independently. Easily configurable AI agents for different business areas and processes "The CANCOM Assistant Suite integrates seamlessly into the company's existing systems and enables the use of AI in different business areas and processes through easily configurable agents," explains Manuel Moser, Director Digital Innovations & AI, CANCOM Austria. CANCOM Austria has also created benefits through AI for a large service company: This is faced with the challenge of answering a high number of email inquiries correctly in terms of content and also legally, without having to spend too much time researching internal systems. Tailor-made integration into existing work processes The AI-based CANCOM Assistant was perfectly integrated into the existing work processes - with links to internal documents, databases and other data sources. The "human in the loop" is important here: even if the AI provides suggestions, the human is still in the driver's seat and validates the answer before it is sent to the customer. "The significant reduction in research effort and the much faster response to recurring inquiries gives customer service staff the opportunity to focus on complex and sensitive cases," explains Manuel Moser, Director Digital Innovations & AI at CANCOM Austria.

Alviscan offers extensive functionalities that make the measurement process convenient and safe: During the measurement, users receive immediate feedback via the screen, short instructional videos show how to perform the measurements correctly, and the user interface is available in multiple languages to make it easier for patients from different backgrounds to use. In addition, Alviscan can be connected to any hospital information system (HIS) or electronic patient record so that the measurement results are transmitted automatically and error-free. This prevents input errors and data loss. At the same time, Alviscan strengthens patient engagement, as patients measure their vital signs independently and are more aware and actively involved in their care processes. Katharina Proske, Sales Director Digital Health at CANCOM Austria, explains: "Alviscan offers patients more personal responsibility and transparency about their vital signs, while hospitals benefit from more efficient processes, reduced sources of error and a noticeable reduction in the workload of nursing staff." CANCOM Austria is thus once again focusing on innovative technologies that increase efficiency in the healthcare sector and improve patient safety. About Alphatron Medical Alphatron Medical is a leading provider of integrated medical technology solutions based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The company develops and markets innovative products that make the daily work of healthcare professionals more efficient and safer. Its core solutions include mobile workstations such as the AMiS-PRO, the Alviscan self-measurement kiosk for vital signs and systems for image and data management. Alphatron Medical takes a holistic approach, intelligently combining hardware, software and technology to optimize the entire care process. With over 25 years of experience, Alphatron Medical works closely with hospitals and care facilities to develop customized solutions that meet the specific needs of the healthcare industry. The company is a member of the Erasmus MC Business Club and is actively involved in supporting scientific research. Further information can be found at alphatronmedical.com .

CANCOM will be presenting itself at it-sa 2025 in Nuremberg from October 7 to 9 under the motto "Hope is not a security strategy". In Hall 7A at Stand 734, visitors can expect comprehensive personal advice and presentations on current and future cyber security topics - from cyber resilience and the secure use of artificial intelligence to quantum-resistant communication. Holistic security: from Prevent to Recover At it-sa, CANCOM will be showcasing its holistic approach that covers all areas of IT security - from solutions for prevention, protection measures and threat detection to response and recovery. This enables companies and organizations in any industry to identify risks at an early stage, efficiently implement comprehensive protection, proactively monitor incidents and respond quickly in the event of an emergency. Visitors to the stand will learn how training, services and solutions can strengthen their own resilience and how systems and processes can be quickly restored after a security incident. They can discuss their challenges and individual needs with the CANCOM team in person. The proven IT security experts from the entire DACH region are happy to share their knowledge from a wide range of customer projects of all sizes and proven best practices. "Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the dynamics of attacks and defenses. At the same time, traditional threats remain a constant companion. At it-sa, we will show how companies can create a stable foundation for their IT security: today in their existing infrastructures and tomorrow with a view to future technologies such as quantum computing," says Alexander Ernst, Director Competence Center Network & Security at CANCOM. Highlights in the lecture program At the CANCOM stand, IT decision-makers and security managers can expect particularly informative presentations on current security topics on all days of the trade fair. The program impresses with well-founded content and offers valuable impulses as well as practical solutions for the challenges of modern IT security. Program excerpt: "Cyber resilience with CANCOM" (Tuesday, 12:00 noon): Recovery after an attack - customized protection concepts for different industries and requirements. "Quantum-resistant communication" (Wednesday, 14:00): How organizations can prepare their communications today for the challenges of the quantum computing era. "Security for AI" (Thursday, 12:00): How artificial intelligence can be used securely in companies - and which protective measures are essential in the process. Interested parties can find the full program and further information on the Event page . We would be happy to arrange an appointment with a suitable security expert at our stand. For appointments and further information, please contact Daniel Firulovic, Sales Director Security CANCOM Austria: daniel.firulovic@cancom.com We look forward to your inquiry.

Vienna, September 2025 - In the new school year, around 40,000 pupils across Austria will receive standardized Windows school notebooks. The devices will be issued to pupils in both first grade middle school and high school as part of the Ministry of Education's end device initiative. The Ministry of Education bears the majority of the costs. Parents/guardians only pay a one-off contribution of 25% of the price of the device. Under certain circumstances, this contribution can be waived completely - in these cases, the Ministry of Education covers the costs in full. The equipment initiative is part of the digitalization offensive launched in 2021 to create the pedagogical and technical conditions for IT-supported teaching in Austrian schools. CANCOM a+d IT Solutions GmbH won the public tender for the supply and servicing of school notebooks and will fulfill a planned purchase volume of 160,000 devices by the end of 2028. Standardized equipment for digital learning The fourth-generation Lenovo V14 notebook will be used in schools in Austria. It has a 14-inch display, an AMD processor and Windows 11. The equipment is tailored to the requirements of everyday teaching. Compliance with all relevant quality and safety standards has been tested and confirmed. The notebook comes with a 4-year hardware warranty. In the 2024/25 school year, over 50% of the school devices used were already based on Windows systems. CANCOM a+d has also been supplying Lenovo Windows tablets to schools throughout Austria since 2024. The standardized school notebooks and tablets, combined with the comprehensive CANCOM services, ensure uniform technological equipment for all students and enable uninterrupted work. This solution also facilitates seamless integration into the schools' existing IT infrastructure, supports the smooth use of digital learning systems and promotes the efficient implementation of pedagogical concepts. Delivery of the devices for the 2025/26 school year will start a few weeks after the start of school directly to the school site. They will then be distributed to the pupils there accordingly. "Modern education needs modern devices and reliable partners. As a long-standing digitalization partner in the education sector, we support organizations and initiatives throughout Austria to promote digital education in educational institutions. With our Lenovo school notebooks and tablets and as an authorized Lenovo service partner, we are actively committed to the sustainable success of the education initiative. We ensure a smooth and uncomplicated process and reliable support for all schools, teachers, parents and students," says Paul Suppan, Managing Director of CANCOM a+d IT Solutions. Online service portal for parents, pupils and teachers CANCOM a+d provides its own school notebook service portal for handling technical problems and defects. Users receive important tips on self-service or can easily register repairs online. If necessary, they receive a special return box to send in the device free of charge. The device repair or replacement is carried out by CANCOM a+d as an authorized Lenovo service provider at the location in Brunn am Gebirge. As a leading provider of digital workplace solutions, CANCOM a+d has an Austria-wide service network - and thus guarantees Austria-wide support. "With our proven 360-degree approach to end device service - consisting of a central online portal and our own Lenovo repair center in Austria - CANCOM a+d offers a structured and efficient solution for fast support when needed," explains Patricia Herricht, Key Account Manager Public at CANCOM a+d IT Solutions. About CANCOM in Austria: As a leading digital business provider, CANCOM accompanies companies, organizations and the public sector into the digital future. The range of services and solutions includes classic system house IT solutions as well as workplace solutions, data-based digital solutions, managed services and cloud services. We accompany our customers' digital evolution with passion and technology and support them in reducing the complexity of their IT and developing new business models. We offer a holistic portfolio for all IT and business requirements. The more than 5,600 employees of the internationally active CANCOM Group with around 80 locations in the DACH region, Belgium, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic as well as an efficient partner network guarantee market presence and customer proximity. CANCOM generated annual sales of around 1.7 billion euros in 2024. The Group parent company CANCOM SE is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the TecDAX and SDAX (ISIN DE0005419105).

The digitalization of industrial processes and the rapid networking of IT and OT systems are presenting companies with ever greater challenges in the area of cybersecurity. To counteract these developments, Siemens AG Austria has expanded its partner network and certified CANCOM Austria as an official solution partner for cybersecurity and industrial strength networks. With the new EU directive NIS2 (Network and Information Security), which stipulates stricter requirements for the security measures of critical infrastructures and industrial plants, the topic is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the geopolitical situation is exacerbating the threat scenarios for industrial companies. Expertise and solutions for modern cybersecurity challenges As a certified solution partner, CANCOM Austria offers a specialized service portfolio that supports companies in comprehensively securing their OT environments and at the same time implementing current regulatory requirements such as NIS2. Services include the analysis and risk assessment of OT environments, taking into account NIS2 requirements, the design of secure OT network architectures, the integration of industrial firewalls, switches and security components from Siemens, and the implementation of threat detection and response systems. In addition, CANCOM Austria offers 24/7 monitoring of OT systems with anomaly detection and supports compliance with regulatory requirements. "Securing OT is of the utmost importance for industrial companies," emphasizes Benjamin Schrunner-Pfeiffer, Head of Process Automation - Portfolio Sales Development at Siemens. "With CANCOM Austria as a solution partner, we can offer our customers an expanded portfolio of cybersecurity solutions for their OT environments. This is an important contribution to offering our customers the best possible protection, especially in light of the increasing requirements of the NIS2 directive and the growing threat situation." Martin Lampel, Director OT Security Solutions - System Integration at CANCOM Austria explains: "As a Siemens Solution Partner, we can now increasingly contribute our many years of cybersecurity expertise to the OT sector. Our goal is to support industrial companies in securing their critical systems while ensuring business continuity - taking into account the constantly changing threat situation and demanding compliance requirements." Focus on critical infrastructures The solutions of the partnership between Siemens and CANCOM Austria are aimed in particular at operators of critical infrastructures and industrial companies that fall under the new EU NIS2 directive. With customized security solutions, the two companies are helping to protect OT environments against attacks and secure the digital transformation of industry. About Siemens in Austria: Siemens is one of the leading technology companies in Austria. A total of around 9,500 people work for Siemens in Austria. Turnover in the 2024 financial year was around 3.3 billion euros. Siemens connects the physical and digital worlds - with the aim of creating benefits for customers and society. The company focuses on the areas of intelligent infrastructure in buildings and decentralized energy systems, automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing industry. Automation technologies, software and data analytics play a major role in these areas. With all of its plants, globally active competence centers and regional expertise in every province, Siemens makes a significant contribution to domestic value creation in Austria. In the past fiscal year, Siemens' external purchasing volume in Austria amounted to more than 1.1 billion euros from around 6,900 suppliers - around 4,300 of them from Austria. Siemens Austria has business responsibility for the domestic market and for a further 25 countries (Lead Country Austria). Further information can be found at: www.siemens.at.

With the publication of the Cyber Security Report 2025, CANCOM once again presents a comprehensive analysis of the current threat situation and security strategies in the digital space. The annual report highlights the most important developments in the field of cyber security and shows how companies can strengthen their digital resilience - a topic that is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing threats from ransomware, social engineering and attacks on supply chains. Almost all aspects of our economic, social, political and private lives are related to cyber security in some way. According to the Allianz Global Risk Barometer, cyber incidents are among the biggest business risks worldwide at 36 percent - at the same time, according to a Munich Re study not sufficiently protected. "Cybersecurity is one of the most important key factors for strong business performance and future security," emphasizes Jochen Borenich, CEO of CANCOM Austria, in the foreword to the report. Top topics in 2025: Adversary evolution, Big 4 and zero days The report identifies several key threat areas: the increasing professionalization of attackers, the so-called "adversary evolution", the vulnerability of global supply chains and the growing sophistication of social manipulation techniques. In addition to these threats, the report also analyzes the activities of the so-called Big 4 - China, Russia, Iran and North Korea - as well as the increasing danger of zero-day attacks, which often go undetected and are used specifically by state actors. A key conclusion of the report: ransomware is and remains the number one threat. The attacks are not only becoming more frequent, but also more complex - with attempts at extortion that operate on several levels simultaneously: from data encryption and data theft to DDoS attacks and targeted contact with third parties. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly acting as an accelerator of these developments: AI-based technologies enable automated attack patterns, deceptively real deepfakes and highly personalized phishing campaigns. The report also focuses on the use of AI and LLMs in cybersecurity. It shows which LLM models attackers use and how companies can minimize risks through data validation and targeted segmentation. AI both an opportunity and a risk for cybersecurity However, AI also opens up new opportunities for defense - for example through anomaly detection, threat intelligence and automated responses. The question is no longer whether AI plays a role in cyber security - but how it is used responsibly, efficiently and strategically. Another key topic of the report is therefore the use of AI and machine learning (ML) in cyber security. While attackers are increasingly relying on generative AI, CANCOM uses ML-based technologies to detect and defend against threats at an early stage. "Data quality, validation and transparency are crucial to using AI safely and effectively," explains Erwin Friedl, Principal Cyber Security Analyst at CANCOM. Holistic security strategies against current threat scenarios In addition to analyzing the current threat situation, the report also shows specific practical strategies on how companies can counter current and future risks: For example, how companies can secure their IT and OT infrastructures holistically with the so-called 4+1 strategy (Prevent, Protect, Detect, Respond + Recover). But also how the Security Operations Center and the interaction between Red and Blue Teams - the so-called PURPLE Team - contribute to this. Quantum cryptography and NIS2: a look into the future CANCOM is also contributing its network and security expertise to research into quantum cryptography and is working on the encryption of data transfers as part of the EU QCI-CAT project. At the same time, the company supports its customers in implementing regulatory requirements such as the NIS2 directive. Interested parties can also find valuable assistance on this in the Cyber Security Report. Practical examples and voices from the business world The report contains numerous best practices and interviews - including with ORF, ZARGES and SPAR ICS - which show how companies are working with CANCOM to strengthen their security architecture. The key finding: the more sophisticated the attacks, the more intelligent and forward-looking the defense strategies need to be. The CANCOM Cyber Security Report 2025 is aimed at companies throughout the DACH region and takes into account both national and European developments - from regulatory requirements such as NIS2 and DORA to industry-specific challenges in industry, healthcare and the public sector. The complete CANCOM Cyber Security Report 2025 is now available for download at IT Security