Berlin Hacking Blackmail: Hackers Demand 30 Bitcoin, Mayor Says No

Berlin’s city government is facing a cyber extortion campaign that has already knocked out parts of its digital infrastructure and put officials in a standoff with hackers demanding a hefty bitcoin payout. The Berlin hacking blackmail case, confirmed by Mayor Kai Wegner this week, involves stolen government data, a ransom threat, and a countdown clock ticking toward a public data auction.

Key takeaways

• Berlin city systems were breached and data was stolen in an initial leak that occurred between August 7 and 12.
• Hackers are demanding 30 bitcoin, worth roughly 2 million euros, according to Der Spiegel.
• The Rhysida group, believed to operate out of Russia and Eastern Europe, has claimed responsibility and says it stole 5.79 terabytes of data.
• Mayor Kai Wegner says Berlin will not pay: “Berlin will not be blackmailed.”
• State police, prosecutors, and federal security services are investigating with what officials call “the utmost urgency.”

Ransomware Attack on Berlin City Systems

City officials say the breach began quietly, with data siphoned out of Berlin’s administrative network well before anyone went public about it. The Rhysida ransomware attack was first discovered internally in mid-August, though the group has reportedly taken responsibility.

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