Dirk Achenbach heads the research division Cybersecurity and Law at the FZI Research Center for Information Technology.

Following his studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the computer scientist conducted research in the field of formal models in cryptography. There he worked on research projects and in teaching. He also supported the establishment of the KASTEL Competence Center for Applied Security Technology. After completing his doctorate supervised by Prof. Jörn Müller-Quade, he joined the FZI Research Center for Information Technology, where he helped set up the Competence Center for IT Security and took over the management of the project Cyberwehr Baden-Württemberg. After gaining experience in the private sector and in public broadcasting, he returned to the FZI to take on new challenges.

He is passionate about bringing theory and practice together for a secure digitalization.

Dirk Achenbach is a member of the steering committee of the Initiative "IT-Sicherheit in der Wirtschaft" of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The FZI has appointed two ombudspersons to ensure good scientific practice. The FZI appoints two ombudspersons to ensure good scientific practice. Since 2024 Fabian Rigoll and Dirk Achenbach have held that role jointly.