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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Technology

Berlin Government Network Breached, Several Ministries Cut Off

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Several Berlin state ministries have had their access to the government IT network cut off due to a security breach.
  • Authorities are investigating the incident but have not disclosed details about data theft or the perpetrators.
  • The affected network, known as BeLa, connects around 600 government locations across the city.

Access to the government IT network for several Berlin state ministries has been severed following a security breach, officials announced Monday. An investigation team is actively working to address the incident and determine its full scope.

Investigations have revealed a security breach in the Berlin state network. All relevant agencies are working around the clock to secure the state network.

— Berlin State Ministry OfficeThe office confirmed the security breach and ongoing efforts to secure the network.

"Investigations have revealed a security breach in the Berlin state network. All relevant agencies are working around the clock to secure the state network," stated an office release, as quoted by ANTARA news agency. On Friday, authorities took the precautionary measure of cutting off network access for ministries responsible for climate action, development, and housing. Officials have not yet confirmed whether these departments remain fully operational, if any data was compromised, or who might be behind the attack.

The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office, the State Criminal Police Office, and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) are jointly investigating the incident. "The security of the state network is the top priority. For investigative reasons, no further specific information regarding the scope or background of the incident can be provided at this time," the statement added.

The security of the state network is the top priority. For investigative reasons, no further specific information regarding the scope or background of the incident can be provided at this time.

— Berlin State Ministry OfficeThe office emphasized the priority of network security while withholding specific details due to the ongoing investigation.

The compromised system, identified as BeLa, is a secure, high-speed fiber-optic network linking approximately 600 government locations and public facilities throughout Berlin. ITDZ Berlin manages the system's operations. This breach occurs amidst ongoing warnings about the increasing threat of cyber and hybrid attacks targeting public institutions, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt previously described such threats as "21st-century shadow warfare."

Germany is not at war, yet we are a daily target of hybrid warfare

— Alexander DobrindtGermany's Interior Minister described the growing threat of cyber and hybrid attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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