The InfoSec Impact Award recognises outstanding IT security solutions in public administration that sustainably eliminate information security deficits and can serve as best practices for other institutions.

The InfoSec team impressed the jury with HeartBeat. The emergency communication system makes it possible to provide alternative communication channels and secure Identity & Access Management (IAM) within a very short space of time. HeartBeat is based on open source technologies and includes a mail server with webmail and a matrix server for secure direct messaging and video communication. The system can be deployed automatically in just a few minutes, e.g. by a cloud provider. To protect access, HeartBeat relies on a graduated verification process: Users set their password via an email-based system and are then verified in person using a one-time code via a video call session. This prevents attackers from infiltrating the communication system. Especially in crisis situations where IT systems fail or are compromised, HeartBeat offers a robust, protected and quickly available communication platform.

The award ceremony took place on 18 March, where the InfoSec team was officially announced as the winner of 1st place.

Statement from the team:

‘We are delighted to have been honoured with the InfoSec Impact Award. This recognition confirms our commitment and motivates us to continue implementing our innovative ideas and driving IT security forward.’