During her tour, the Federal Minister paid particular attention to a research vehicle from the Fraunhofer SIT, in which self-protection solutions for drivers and passengers are shown, which can be used by vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers as well as developers for auto-apps to make their business models data-protection-friendly shape. At the smart city demonstrator of the TU Darmstadt, guests were able to walk through a virtual city and experience central applications of IT security research via augmented reality. In addition, they were informed about the latest findings of the study "The Price of Free" and the impact of the new data economy on business and society.
The interactive exhibit of Fraunhofer IGD showed how Fraunhofer technologies contribute to implementing smart city scenarios such as citizen participation, age-appropriate living and cyber security. And the University of Applied Science Darmstadt showed how to detect attacks on fingerprint sensors with the help of finger vein sensors.

In addition, Research Minister Karliczek and Minister Rhein did not miss the opportunity to take a look at the holiday program in computer science currently taking place at the Fraunhofer SIT. This week, 20 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 playfully learn how to program, deal with privacy, password security and encryption, construct a robot and examine a computer from within.

During their visit both ministers highlighted the importance of cybersecurity research for digitization in business and society and praised research and development at the site as a catalyst for cybersecurity innovation and improving IT security in government and society.