Hacker attack on Berlin Senate: 5.26 terabytes published on darknet
The hacker group "Rhysida" has published over 1.4 million files from the Berlin Senate administration on the darknet after a failed ransom demand.
Berlin data breach: hackers post millions of administration documents on darknet
Classified documents from the Berlin Senate administration have ended up on the darknet following a massive hacker attack. According to BILD, the published material comprises around 5.26 terabytes containing more than 1.4 million files — including highly sensitive data on security authorities, private individuals and companies.
Between 7 and 12 August, the attackers gained access to the systems of the Berlin administration and downloaded vast quantities of data. They subsequently demanded 30 bitcoin — equivalent to around two million euros. The Berlin Senate refused to pay. After the ultimatum expired, the hacker group "Rhysida" — named after a venomous centipede — made the entire haul publicly available on the darknet on Friday afternoon.
Critical infrastructure and staff data affected
The dataset contains internal documents from various departments of the Senate administration, documents on political decision-making processes and confidential administrative files. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, it also includes scanned identification documents, certificates and other sensitive personal documents.
Particularly serious: the stolen documents include emergency and crisis plans as well as information on the drinking water supply. According to BILD, the files under the "Defence" category also reportedly contain material on waste water disposal for crisis and disaster management. Experts warn that the leak could seriously endanger the capital's security.
The Tagesspiegel also reports rehabilitation files, certificates of incapacity for work and medical certificates that are viewable online. Even confidential disciplinary files were reportedly published — in some cases marked "Confidential personnel matter!".
Chancellor's office building plans and civil servant data online
Der Spiegel reports that more than 550 files relating to the construction of the Chancellor's office extension have been leaked, including expert reports, plans and statements from the State Criminal Police Office. Additionally, numerous private data of state civil servants have been published: birth certificates, absence lists, telephone numbers and home addresses are reportedly also part of the dataset. Once a dataset is on the darknet, it is considered permanently accessible — copies can be stored worldwide and redistributed at any time.
Senate reviews, mayor silent
The official capital portal has so far contained only limited information about the incident. IT forensic experts are reviewing the published data, as it states there. In parallel, the authorities are preparing notifications for potential affected persons. A citizen hotline does not yet exist.
The Senate Chancellery explicitly warns against identity theft: anyone who discovers their own data online or detects signs of fraud should immediately file a criminal complaint.
The Berlin Senate did not respond to an inquiry from BILD. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (53, CDU) also made no public statement about the incident by Saturday morning. He had spent Friday evening at the women's basketball world championship match against Spain at the Berlin Uber Arena with Interior Senator Iris Spranger (64, SPD) and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (70, CDU).
Source: BILD