Cyberattack in Berlin: 1.4 million files on the Dark Web
Shortly before Berlin's state parliamentary election, the hacker group Rhysida stole data, tried to extort the Berlin Senate and published the data on the dark web after their attempt failed.
A cyberattack on Berlin revealed that over 1.4 million files were leaked on the dark web. This incident, which emerged during a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, highlights the vulnerability of Germany's data networks. Cybercriminals known as Rhysida stole data and demanded a ransom of 30 bitcoins (approximately €2 million or $2.3 million) in exchange for not publishing the sensitive information.
The attack targeted two departments serving around four million residents, including the Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation. The breach occurred when a Transportation Authority employee fell for a phishing email, inadvertently granting access to attackers. The stolen data includes personnel records, personal details of citizens, and information about critical infrastructure such as power plants, prisons, and water treatment facilities.
Despite the severity of the breach, the September 20 state election remains unaffected. Berlin's authorities are coordinating with federal agencies and offering assistance to affected individuals. While the city government has instructed employees to change their passwords, critics argue that more adequate protection and training were needed to prevent such incidents.
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