On March 6, 2025, State Secretary for the Interior Martin Rößler officially handed over a funding grant of more than €338,000 to Prof. Dr. Christoph Krauß from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. These funds will support the research project Hardening Emergency Vehicles Against Cyberattacks (HECA), which focuses on securing the digital components of emergency vehicles. As modern police vehicles become increasingly networked and therefore potential targets for cyberattacks, the project aims to enhance the IT security of these vehicles and ensure uninterrupted emergency operations.

The funding is part of the Hesse state directive Cybersecurity Research in Hesse, which has proven to be an extremely valuable instrument for connecting innovative research with real-world stakeholders. In particular, the close collaboration with the Hesse police ensures that practical solutions are developed for real threat scenarios. These funds enable researchers to respond effectively to current challenges and make a direct contribution to the state's internal security.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Krauß and his team extend their gratitude to the Hessian Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Homeland Security for this support and the strong commitment to cybersecurity research. This dedication plays a crucial role in ensuring that Hesse is well-prepared for the growing threats in the digital space through innovative projects.