Two Berlin gov’t departments “unable to work” after cyberattack

Two Berlin government departments have been rendered inoperable following a cyberattack, according to the Senate Chancellery. The Department for Urban Development, Construction and Housing, as well as the Department for Mobility, Transport, Environment and Climate Protection, were both targeted in the attack. The incident was first detected on August 14.

Both departments were subsequently disconnected to thwart any potential further security breaches, and employees have been forced to conduct their duties via telephone communication. An anonymous employee stated that their ability to function is significantly limited without internet and email access. The cyberattack is suspected of having leaked highly sensitive data; however, the specific information compromised remains undisclosed.

The origin of the attack has not been identified yet, and authorities are continuing their investigation. The Berlin state network (BeLa), which connects approximately 600 government agencies and public facilities across the city, was also affected by the cyberattack. This includes essential services such as the police, fire brigade, hospitals, and emergency responders.

Additionally, a Berlin state election postal vote registration website has experienced connectivity problems in recent days, reported SPIEGEL. The Senate Department of the Interior confirmed that this issue has persisted since August 17. The Senate Department of the Interior is actively working to resolve the issues with the postal vote registration website.

The upcoming House of Representatives election (Wahl zum Abgeordnetenhaus or AGH Wahl) is scheduled for September 20, and only eligible Berliners with a German passport can participate in this election. However, EU citizens can vote for a candidate representing their district in the Berlin Bezirksverordnetenversammlung (BVV) on the same day.