— Hackers have published around 1.4 million files stolen from Berlin’s state administration on the dark web after authorities refused to pay a ransom worth roughly €2 million, Tagesschau reports.The Rhysida hacker group released personnel files, employment references, performance reviews, timesheets, application materials, and internal documents after its deadline for payment of 30 Bitcoin (roughly €2 million) expired.
Some of the stolen material may also contain security-sensitive information concerning hospitals, fuel depots, emergency power systems, and arms manufacturers.
Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warned that the leak could expose affected individuals to phishing and other attacks, while also raising concerns about potential “hack-and-leak” operations ahead of Berlin’s September 20 state election. The agency currently believes the original cyberattack was financially rather than politically motivated.
Berlin authorities are reviewing the leaked material to identify and contact affected individuals.
