As of January 1, 2026, all medical practices in Germany must migrate to Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for communication with the Telematik Infrastruktur (TI), a move prompted by security concerns surrounding the RSA2048 algorithm. The current requirement mandates that older devices using RSA2048 encryption must be replaced or upgraded before the end of 2025, affecting approximately 35,000 TI-Konnektoren, over 100,000 electronic Heilberufsausweise (eHBAs), around 30,000 practice licenses, and about 160,000 card-specific terminals for eHealth. This transition is critical to maintaining the integrity of healthcare data communication and ensuring compliance with federal security guidelines established by BSI and the Bundesnetzagentur.
Medical practices are urged to begin this migration process as soon as possible due to potential complications arising from hardware limitations, lack of available specifications and test tools from Gematik, and the overall complexity involved in updating such a vast network of components. Non-compliance could result in significant disruptions to patient care, including an inability to issue electronic prescriptions or sick leave certificates via established digital means. The Kassenzahnärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) has highlighted these risks while also advocating for an extension on the deadline from January 2026 until December 2027, citing logistical and financial challenges faced by individual practices.
For support during this transition period, Gematik offers a comprehensive migration guide that outlines necessary actions and provides a checklist to ensure all affected components are upgraded or replaced in time. Additional resources include guidelines published by the Telekom healthcare division on how to upgrade specific TI-Konnektoren to ECC encryption.
Key ECC Migration Guide for Medical Practices – Navigating the Shift from RSA2048
Navigating this mandatory transition effectively will require close collaboration between medical practices and IT providers, emphasizing proactive measures to ensure smooth operation of essential services post-migration. The decision by Gematik not to extend the deadline underscores the critical nature of this migration for maintaining data security and operational integrity within Germany’s healthcare ecosystem.
The urgency of this change reflects a broader trend in cybersecurity towards more robust encryption standards that can withstand future threats, including potential advances in quantum computing technology. While compliance is mandatory, it also presents an opportunity for medical practices to modernize their IT infrastructure and enhance overall digital resilience against emerging cyber risks.
ECC Migration: An Opportunity for Enhanced Data Security
As a member of the sales team focusing on healthcare IT solutions, I am deeply committed to ensuring our clients are well-prepared for this impending change. We offer specialized services designed to facilitate a seamless transition to ECC encryption, including comprehensive audits of existing equipment and tailored upgrade packages that align with Gematik’s guidelines. Our approach emphasizes proactive support through every stage of the migration process, from initial assessment to final validation testing.
It is my belief that while this transition may present short-term challenges for medical practices, it ultimately serves as a critical step towards safeguarding sensitive patient information and ensuring the continued reliability of digital health services in Germany. By working together with our clients, we aim to turn these challenges into opportunities for enhanced cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
Similar questions
What is Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)?
Why must medical practices in Germany switch to ECC by January 1, 2026?
How many TI-Konnektoren are affected by this change?
What are electronic Heilberufsausweise (eHBAs) used for?
Who sets the federal security guidelines for this transition?
Why is it important for medical practices to start migrating early?
Which organization has advocated for extending the deadline until December 2027?
How can medical practices access support during the migration process?
What kind of resources does Gematik provide for upgrading to ECC encryption?
Does Telekom offer any specific guidelines on upgrading TI-Konnektoren to ECC?