Two Berlin State Ministries Disconnected from Government Network Following Security Breach

Government Network Compromised

Two Berlin state ministries have been disconnected from the city government's IT network after a security breach was discovered. The affected ministries include those responsible for urban development, construction, housing, mobility, transport, climate protection, and the environment. This isolation began on Friday as a precautionary measure, according to the Berlin Senate Chancellery.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have not disclosed details regarding the perpetrators, the method of access, or whether data was exfiltrated. The timeline of the intrusion also remains unclear. The Senate Chancellery stated that further specific information cannot be provided due to ongoing investigative reasons, emphasizing that the security of the state network is a top priority.

Operational Disruptions

Despite the disconnection, both ministries remain operational. However, employees have lost access to their standard IT systems, including email and internet, and are now relying on telephones, text messages, and faxes for communication. The disruption has also impacted public services, with some district offices unable to process applications for housing benefits and education assistance due to their reliance on systems operated by the affected urban development ministry.

Independent IT Infrastructure

German public broadcaster RBB reported that the attackers allegedly exploited a vulnerability within the IT systems of one of the affected ministries. Berlin's state-owned IT service provider, ITDZ Berlin, was not impacted by the breach. The two affected ministries share some IT infrastructure and manage their portion of the state network independently of ITDZ.