ZITiS is the research and development body for cyber-related technical solutions in the area of responsibility of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. It is tasked with supporting and advising federal authorities with security tasks regarding information technology capabilities. To this end, ZITiS researches and develops methods and tools. ZITiS was established by ministerial decree in 2017 as part of Germany's cybersecurity strategy. The tasks of ZITiS are closely aligned with the range of tasks performed by federal authorities with security tasks. This includes, among other things, fighting crime or the prevention of threats as well as counterespionage.
ZITiS conducts research on and develops technical solutions in the areas of digital forensics, telecommunications surveillance, cryptanalysis and big data analysis. Alongside its own applied research and work in specialist committees, ZITiS is also involved as a technical partner in national and international research networks. Through close coordination with its stakeholders, such as the Federal Criminal Police Office, the Federal Police, and the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (German domestic intelligence service), ZITiS has an in-depth understanding of the needs and challenges of the security authorities and prioritises the tangible added value for its stakeholders when participating in research collaborations. Of great interest to ZITiS are calls for proposals for research and development projects in the field of crime control in the Horizon Europe Programme (research call "Fighting Crime and Terrorism") as well as the Internal Security Fund of the European Commission.
