Hosted in Germany: why the German cloud remains the safest choice

Punctual, meticulous, and perhaps a little pessimistic – these are traits often associated with what is considered "typically German." But this pessimism is not necessarily a weakness; in fact, it can be a strength, especially when it comes to cloud security. Admittedly, this might seem like a stretch, but those who read on will discover why the German cloud is the safest choice internationally – and how pessimism plays a part.

General information on cloud usage

Cloud usage has seen rapid growth in recent years. Increasingly, businesses are taking advantage of the cloud to securely store and easily manage data. All users need is an internet-enabled device, whether a PC, laptop, or smartphone. Files, information, services, and software can be accessed anytime and anywhere. For this reason, access to these services must be comprehensively protected. In addition to mandatory password protection, many providers now use two-factor authentication to further enhance cloud security.

But what sets the German cloud apart from other European countries?

Legal regulations for greater security

Whether Germany’s strict data protection laws are directly linked to German pessimism is unclear. However, the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensure that personal data in Germany is particularly well-protected.

These regulations ensure that German cloud providers store personal data only with the explicit consent of the individual and that the data is adequately secured. Violations of these laws can result in severe fines or even imprisonment.

In contrast, other European countries, such as the UK and Ireland, have less stringent data protection laws. In some non-EU countries, like the United States, state surveillance programmes such as PRISM allow government agencies access to data. Companies storing data in the cloud should, therefore, always opt for German providers.

Certifications and security standards

Following the motto “Trust is good, control is better,” Germany also offers numerous certifications and audits to confirm the security of cloud providers. While not mandatory, these certifications serve as a helpful guide for companies seeking a secure cloud provider.

For example, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has developed its own standard for cloud security with the BSI C5 catalogue. The Cloud Computing Compliance Criteria Catalogue (C5) specifies the requirements for information security among cloud providers, offering valuable guidance for organisations and authorities looking for trustworthy service providers.

International standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, issued by German TÜV organisations, are also popular certifications to confirm security standards. ISO/IEC 27001 certifies that cloud providers meet specific processes to ensure information security.

Explore our certification overview here.

Geographical advantages

The geographical location of a cloud provider should not be overlooked. Germany’s central position in Europe makes it a key hub for data transmission across the continent. Short transmission paths and fast internet connections ensure quick and reliable data transfers. Additionally, Germany offers high network stability and reliable power supplies.

In comparison, other European countries like Spain and Italy may face challenges with data transmission and network stability due to their location and infrastructure. Non-EU countries such as India and China can also experience issues with network reliability and power supply stability.

Conclusion: German Pessimism for Greater Security

Germans might be more pessimistic than other nations, but this ensures we are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Thanks to strict data protection laws, geographical advantages, and reliable infrastructure, the German cloud offers a safe and dependable solution for storing and managing data. Compared to other European and non-EU countries, Germany provides a clear alternative for companies seeking a secure and reliable cloud solution.