Berlin has become the target of a recent cyberattack, but city authorities have made it clear they will not succumb to the attackers' demands. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner stated that the city would not pay the demanded ransom, emphasising that it must not give in to pressure from criminals. This firm stance followed the publication of a payment demand on internet platforms, specifying an amount of 30 bitcoins, which at today's exchange rate amounts to approximately €2.7 million.
The attack, carried out by the cybercriminal group known as Rhys, occurred while Berlin was in the midst of preparations for upcoming local elections. Although authorities confirmed that some internet services were temporarily disrupted, city officials, including state councillor Iris Spranger, stressed that critical infrastructure remained secure and unthreatened. The Rhys group, operating from Russia and Eastern Europe, is known for attacking institutions worldwide, including a recent attack on the British Museum, where they also attempted to extort money by threatening to release data.
According to reports, the attackers gained access to sensitive data, including contracts, personal data, and thousands of other documents. Although some information was publicly available, there is concern that the attackers may have accessed unpublished personal data of citizens. The Rhys group threatened to publish 5.79 terabytes of data on the dark web, including contracts, passwords, and thousands of personal contacts, which could have serious consequences for citizens' privacy.
Investigative services, including the state police, prosecutors, and federal security agencies, are working intensively to identify and punish those responsible. The attack on Berlin took place while the city was preparing for local elections, further heightening concerns among citizens and authorities. Although some services were temporarily disrupted, authorities emphasised that all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of city institutions' operations and the protection of citizens' data.
