Berlin Will Not Give in to Blackmail After Cyberattack
Berlin, August 28 – Following a cyberattack on the city administration’s data network, which came to light in mid-August, Berlin is now facing an extortion attempt. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) declared after a special Senate session at the Rotes Rathaus, “The state of Berlin is being blackmailed.” He firmly announced that the Senate would not yield to the blackmailers’ demands. The State Criminal Police Office, the public prosecutor’s office, and federal security agencies are conducting a vigorous investigation into the alleged perpetrators.
Additional Data Breaches Discovered
Ongoing forensic investigations have revealed that data was also leaked from the Senate Department for Mobility, Transportation, Climate Protection, and the Environment. The full scope and content of this breach are still under examination, and it cannot be ruled out that personal or other non-public data may be involved. The leak is believed to have occurred between August 7 and 12, 2026. The affected Senate departments were disconnected from the state network on August 14. The State Data Protection Commissioner and the Federal Office for Information Security are being continuously informed about the developments.
Berlin Election Protected Against Cyberattacks
Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) confirmed that the upcoming election for the Berlin House of Representatives is technically protected against potential cyberattacks, similar to the one recently directed at the Senate Administration. “As far as we know, no data has been compromised there,” she stated in Berlin. “According to our security officers, the election environment is secure.”
Emergency Response Team Remains Active
The Senate was briefed on the current situation on Friday, as were the leaders of the political parties in the House of Representatives. The forensic analysis and review of the state network are ongoing, and the established ICT emergency response team remains active, working to mitigate the impact and prevent future incidents.
Wegner and Spranger Emphasize Resilience
Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) held a joint press statement at the Rotes Rathaus, underscoring Berlin’s determination in the face of this serious crime. Their unified front aims to reassure the public and demonstrate the city’s commitment to cybersecurity and data integrity. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on public institutions and the importance of robust security measures.
Previous Cyberattacks and Future Preparedness
This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing cyber threats targeting governmental and public sector organizations. While the current focus is on the ongoing investigation and recovery, city officials are also expected to review and enhance their cybersecurity protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The swift disconnection of affected departments and continuous communication with data protection authorities demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the crisis.
The city’s response to the cyberattack and extortion attempt serves as a critical test of its digital resilience. The commitment to not negotiate with blackmailers aligns with expert recommendations to discourage future attacks. The outcome of the investigations will be crucial in understanding the full extent of the breach and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Source: berlin.de
