Efforts to ensure effective IT crisis management only work in the context of a stable, well-maintained network of contacts.

The highly organised landscape of capable CERTs that has been established in Germany is one such network. The successful collaboration that takes place within CERT-Verbund provides a sound foundation on which trusted partners can quickly come up with solutions to problems together -- even in times of crisis.

The internet is a global network in which attacks are carried out without regard for national borders. This is why international partners like the European Governmental CERT group (EGC) are essential to effective IT crisis management. As an informal coalition of European government CERTs, the EGC facilitates regular exchanges of information on the latest security incidents where a second opinion is needed while enhancing the ability of all the partners involved to take action. Its cross-border perspective and the reliable partnerships it fosters make it possible to obtain a clear and detailed overview of any crisis that arises.

The EGC is also unique in that it develops national mechanisms and processes for responding to IT attacks and tests them in drills and exercises with the involvement of not only multiple industries, but government and business entities, as well.