The "Information Security Working Group of German Research Institutions (AKIF)" consists of those responsible for IT security / information security at non-university research institutions, universities and higher education institutions in Germany.

Tasks of the Information Security Working Group of German Research Institutions (AKIF)

• The AKIF serves as a competence center for the exchange of experiences.
• It draws up proposals, statements and recommendations on IT security/information security in relation to non-university research institutions as well as universities and higher education institutions.
• It evaluates current issues, new draft legislation and innovative technologies with regard to their impact on IT security/information security and scientific work in non-university research institutions as well as universities and colleges.
• It is a communication platform for the affiliated organizations.
• The AKIF organizes security events.
   

AKIF was founded in February 2008 by the Alliance of Science Organizations at the suggestion of the German Aerospace Center, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Max Planck Society. Currently, around 120 German non-university research institutions as well as universities and colleges are members of AKIF.
The work of AKIF is organized by a speaker's group. Guntram Rupp, Information Security Officer of the Max Planck Society, is the Chairman of the Speakers' Committee.

The "Working Group on Security and Science (AK SuWi)", which was set up jointly by AKIF and the National Cyber Defence Center, is concerned with the regular, professional exchange of information on security incidents and defensive measures. AKIF is represented in the working group by the spokesperson.