# Cybersecurity responsibility and perception in Germany > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cybersecurity-responsibility-and-perception-in-germany > Updated: 2026-08-20T08:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Research indicates a divergence in how cybersecurity responsibilities are perceived within German organizations. A study by G DATA CyberDefense, Statista, and brand eins found that 70 percent of German employees trust their IT departments to manage security effectively. However, Andreas Lüning of G DATA noted that the upcoming NIS-2 directive will shift cybersecurity into a primary responsibility for management, requiring shared accountability between executives and IT specialists. This shift toward executive responsibility is reflected in findings from Cohesity, which report significant psychological pressure on German CEOs. Approximately 77 percent of surveyed executives feel pressure from cybersecurity duties, and 60 percent expressed concerns regarding burnout. Primary fears include legal liability, reputational damage, and career impact. The data suggests German executives may be less prepared than their counterparts in France and the United Kingdom, with only 49 percent feeling psychologically prepared for their roles. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: German CEOs face burnout risks due to cybersecurity responsibilities A Cohesity study shows 77% of German CEOs feel psychological pressure from cybersecurity duties, with 60% fearing burnout due to risks like legal liability and reputational damage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-ceos-face-burnout-risks-due-to-cybersecurity-responsibilities ### 2026-08-20: G DATA study: 70% of German employees trust IT department cybersecurity A study by G DATA CyberDefense shows 70 percent of German employees trust their IT departments' cybersecurity capabilities, though experts urge management to take more direct responsibility. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/g-data-study-70-of-german-employees-trust-it-department-cybersecurity --- Cite as: Cybersecurity responsibility and perception in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cybersecurity-responsibility-and-perception-in-germany