Hackers Threaten to Leak Berlin Government Data After €2 Million Ransom Demand

Berlin Hit by Major Cyberattack as Hackers Demand €2 Million Ransom

Berlin, Germany, is facing a major cyber extortion attempt after hackers allegedly stole a large volume of data from the city’s administrative systems during an attack earlier this month.

The ransomware group Rhysida is believed to be behind the attack. According to reports, the hackers claim to have obtained around 5.79 terabytes of data, including thousands of contracts, emails, phone numbers, passwords and potentially classified or other sensitive information. 

The attackers are demanding 30 Bitcoin, reported to be worth roughly €2 million (around ₹200 crore), and have threatened to release or auction the stolen information if their demands are not met. 

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner has rejected the ransom demand, saying the city will not give in to blackmail. Several government departments were disconnected from the network for about a week following the August 14 attack, disrupting services including housing-benefit applications and payments.

Authorities are still investigating exactly what information was taken. If the ransom is not paid, the hackers could follow through on their threat to publish or auction the stolen data on the dark web, potentially exposing personal and confidential information. Rhysida has previously leaked data after victims refused to pay ransom. 

Officials have also said that Berlin's September 20 elections are not affected, with election infrastructure reported to be secure.