Sensitive Data Leaked: German Federal Agencies Assist Berlin Hacking Investigation

Berlin is leading the investigation into the cyberattack on parts of its administration, but three federal security agencies are now assisting. The Federal Office for Information Security, the Federal Criminal Police Office and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution are involved, a spokesperson for the Federal Interior Ministry told dpa.

Berlin’s responsible security authorities are conducting the detailed analysis. “All findings are collected and shared in the Joint Cyber Defense Center,” the spokesperson said.

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All findings are collected and shared in the Joint Cyber Defense Center.

The group Rhysida, which authorities hold responsible for the leak, has been known to security agencies and has been active since mid-2021. The spokesperson described it as “criminal and financially motivated.”

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criminal and financially motivated

About 1.44 million files, totaling 5.8 terabytes, were published on the darknet on Friday after the cyberattack. Rhysida reportedly extracted the data unnoticed in mid-August and demanded 30 bitcoin, worth around 2 million euros. Berlin’s Senate did not pay the ransom.

A government spokesperson said the federal government was closely following the leaked information and the investigation. Authorities involved are continuously comparing their findings. “After analyzing potential security risks, appropriate measures will be initiated to safeguard military security,” the spokesperson said, adding that federal data systems were not affected according to current knowledge.

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After analyzing potential security risks, appropriate measures will be initiated to safeguard military security.