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 exposed over 1.4 million files on the Dark Web, drawing attention to the vulnerability of German data networks. The Rhysida hacker group stole employee records, correspondence, pay stubs, and ID documents, demanding a ransom of 30 bitcoins (approximately €2 million) before releasing the data. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner stated the city would not submit to blackmail.
The compromised departments, serving 4 million residents, include Public Works and Transportation. The breach occurred when a Transportation Authority employee fell for a phishing email, allowing hackers access to the secure fiber-optic network. The attack's implications are grave, as it exposes sensitive information on critical infrastructure, including power plants, prisons, and water treatment facilities.
Berlin's data protection has been criticized for years, with the police union questioning the effectiveness of measures taken after the breach. The Berlin Senate has set up a coordination office and contacted federal agencies to address the issue. The attack did not impact the September 20 state election, reassuring voters that the election processes remain unaffected.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's information was also included in the stolen data, which details Berlin's controversial chancellery expansion.
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