Following a severe cyberattack targeting the state of Berlin, the extortionists released 1.4 million pieces of data. This release occurred after the deadline for any ransom demand had expired.
The attackers have made the stolen Berlin data available for download, packaged into three separate datasets, accompanied by the message: “Have fun, data hunters,” according to the publication Spiegel. Some of the most alarming content, which the extortionists had previously advertised, included emergency plans concerning water supply during crises.
A preliminary review of the 1.4 million data entries already reveals numerous highly sensitive materials. These include security protocols for the Berlin Fire Department, salary lists, banking information, scanned identity documents, and confidential personnel files detailing accusations of misconduct and disciplinary actions. Documents related to the city’s cybersecurity strategy are also among the exposed files.
Since Berlin is the federal capital, many matters pertaining to the federal government are also affected. A sample examined by Spiegel found over 550 files related to the Chancellor’s office extension, containing various reports, blueprints, and statements from the State Criminal Police Office.
Security expert Bianca Kastl warned Spiegel about the potential for misuse, particularly concerning data that relates to critical infrastructure facilities, contains information on civil defense, or possesses military significance. She stated, “If someone wants to develop a plan on how to directly harm Berlin, and thus the federal government, they will find more than enough supporting evidence here.”
