Berlin’s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg has been the target of a sophisticated cyberattack, resulting in the apparent compromise of data, including her digital calendar and personal information, according to reports. The attack appears to have originated through a phishing email falsely attributed to a senior representative of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. An employee within the Senator’s administration reportedly clicked a link within the email, which is believed to have infected a computer with malware.
Initial investigations, as reported by the German press, suggest the possible involvement of a hacking group known as “Charming Kitten” suspected of operating on behalf of the Iranian government. Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had previously warned two years ago about specific attempted espionage activities by the group within Germany.
The Berlin Senate Department for Justice has confirmed the incident, describing it as a targeted cyberattack. Authorities state that, currently, only a single computer within the Senator’s leadership team appears to be affected and was the source of the data breach. The State Criminal Police Office and other relevant agencies have been immediately notified, along with the Berlin Data Protection Officer and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Senator Badenberg expressed concern regarding the security of her family and believes the attack has state sponsorship. She characterized the attack as a professionally prepared attempt to intimidate critical voices.
Badenberg, who was born in Iran and immigrated to Germany as a child, previously worked for the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for over a decade, ultimately serving as Vice President. She assumed the role of Justice Senator in Berlin in 2023.
