(Bloomberg) — The German car giant that gave the world the Beetle may soon help you fend off cybercriminals.

Volkswagen AG teamed with insurer Allianz SE, medical company Bayer AG and chemicals producer BASF SE to sell information-technology security services to firms in Germany starting next year, the companies said in a statement Friday. They plan to set up a Berlin-based venture called DCSO Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation GmbH, with a 25% stake each. No investment value was given.

"Attacks on corporate IT systems are increasing, and it's of interest to Germany's economy to be prepared," Lasse Osteneck, a spokesman for Volkswagen, said by phone. "Security is non-negotiable and that's also true for Volkswagen. We believe the new company is closing a market gap."

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