Email Security from CyberLab Karlsruhe: A Milestone for Digital Sovereignty
TL;DR: Conbool GmbH has been admitted to CyberLab Karlsruhe – one of Germany's most prestigious accelerator programs for cybersecurity startups. From there, Conbool continues to develop the SecureMail Gateway: a solution for automated S/MIME and PGP encryption that provides businesses with digital sovereignty and Cloud Act independence.
In the IT world, CyberLab Karlsruhe is regarded as one of the toughest evaluation bodies for startups. Those accepted here must not only have a vision but must also offer a technologically excellent solution to real-world problems. Conbool GmbH is proud to be part of this innovation hub.
For our customers, this means far more than just a new logo on our website: It is a promise of verified quality and future-proof IT security from Germany.
What Is CyberLab Karlsruhe and Why Does It Matter?
CyberLab is an accelerator program run by CyberForum e.V. in Karlsruhe – Europe's largest regional IT network with over 1,300 members. It specifically targets startups in the IT security space and provides access to mentors, investors, and a network of research institutions such as KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) and the FZI Research Center for Information Technology.
According to the Bitkom Startup Report 2024, Karlsruhe and the Rhine-Neckar region are among the top 3 locations for IT security startups in Germany. CyberLab is a central pillar of this ecosystem.
Why Is CyberLab the Perfect Location for SecureMail?
Karlsruhe is the heart of German cyber security. In collaboration with leading researchers and other high-tech startups in the lab, we continuously develop our SecureMail Gateway. Our focus is on solving the biggest problem facing modern IT departments: the complexity of encryption.
As trade publications such as Security Insider and IT-Boltwise report, Conbool enables fully automated S/MIME and PGP encryption that runs in the background without any user interaction.
How Does the SecureMail Gateway Work Technically?
The SecureMail Gateway operates as a transparent proxy between the company's email server and the internet. It automatically encrypts and signs outgoing emails without requiring any action from the sender:
- Certificate Management: S/MIME certificates and PGP keys are centrally managed and automatically renewed.
- Recipient Detection: The gateway automatically detects which encryption method the recipient supports (S/MIME, PGP, or none).
- Fallback Mechanism: Recipients without encryption infrastructure receive emails via a secure web portal.
- Logging: All encryption processes are comprehensively documented for compliance audits.
Why Is Digital Sovereignty So Important for Email?
True sovereignty means maintaining control over your own communication channels – independent of foreign providers and laws such as the US Cloud Act.
The US Cloud Act (2018) allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies – regardless of where the servers are physically located. According to a study by the BSI, over 80% of German companies depend on at least one US-based cloud service.
Through our presence at CyberLab Karlsruhe, we anchor this sovereignty directly in the technology region. We offer businesses:
- Legal Certainty: Hosting and support entirely in Germany. No data transfers to third countries.
- Automation: Elimination of manual certificate and key management. According to internal measurements, this saves an average of 15 hours per month in IT administration effort.
- Compliance: GDPR-compliant email communication at the push of a button. All keys remain under the company's control.
What Sets Conbool Apart from Other Providers?
| Criterion | Conbool SecureMail | Traditional Solutions |
|---|
| Encryption | Automatic (S/MIME + PGP) | Manual per user |
| Certificate Management | Central, automated | Decentralized, manual |
| Location & Legal Framework | Germany, GDPR-compliant | Often subject to US Cloud Act |
| Integration | Gateway, no plugin required | Outlook plugin required |
| Recipients without Certificate | Secure web portal | Unencrypted delivery |
How Does the Mid-Sized Business Benefit from Innovation at CyberLab?
CyberLab's rigorous selection criteria act as a filter for excellence. The fact that Conbool has successfully completed this process underscores our position as a trusted partner for mid-sized businesses.
In the lab, we leverage synergies to identify emerging threats early and proactively adjust our security algorithms. This includes:
- Threat Intelligence Sharing: Exchange of threat data with other CyberLab startups and research partners.
- NIS2 Readiness: Preparation for the NIS2 Directive, which imposes stricter email security requirements starting in 2025.
- AI-Powered Analysis: Use of machine learning to detect anomalous email patterns and advanced persistent threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does CyberLab Karlsruhe do?
CyberLab is an accelerator program by CyberForum e.V. for IT security startups. It provides office space, mentoring, investor contacts, and access to a network of over 1,300 IT companies in the Karlsruhe region.
Why is "Made in Germany" important for email security?
Because German providers are subject to German data protection law and not the US Cloud Act. This means: No forced access to your email keys by foreign authorities.
How quickly can SecureMail be integrated into existing infrastructures?
Typically, integration into Microsoft 365 or Exchange Online takes less than one day. The gateway is configured as an MX relay without any changes to end-user devices.
What certifications does Conbool hold?
Conbool is a member of Bitkom, the BSI Alliance for Cyber Security, and an OMR Leader in the email security category.
Conclusion
The combination of Karlsruhe engineering excellence and the pursuit of digital sovereignty makes Conbool the ideal partner for your email security. Admission to CyberLab is not just a seal of quality – it is the foundation for continuous innovation in one of Europe's most dynamic cybersecurity ecosystems.
Learn more about our SecureMail Gateway or read about why automated email encryption is essential for German businesses.
Contact us for a personalized consultation.
