Call for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures Following Digital Assault by Legal Official - Increased calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures following cyber attack incident
In a concerning turn of events, Berlin's Justice Senator, Felor Badenberg (CDU), has fallen victim to a cyber attack. The attack targeted her work computer, compromising sensitive personal data such as emails and her digital calendar dating back to February 2023[1][2].
The suspicion about Iranian involvement in the attack is linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's known cyber capabilities and history of espionage activities targeting the Iranian diaspora, dissidents, and minority groups in Europe, including Germany[1]. Peter Neumann, professor of security studies at King's College London, stated that Iran is one of the states that spy the most in Germany[2].
The stolen data includes emails to and from individuals who have been in contact with the leadership staff of the Senate Administration since February 1, 2023[2]. This incident has intensified demands for stronger protective protocols around Berlin government officials, reflecting ongoing concerns about foreign state-sponsored cyber espionage and intimidation efforts targeting politically sensitive individuals of Iranian descent in Germany[1][2].
Peter Neumann also noted that these attacks are not just against dissidents, but also against the Jewish community[2]. SPD politician Sebastian Fiedler expressed concern about foreign actors, including the Iranian Revolutionary Guard[2].
Despite the attack, the Senate Administration remains fully operational, and no further cases of harmful data traffic have been detected. External IT systems are also not affected[2]. Badenberg herself suggested the attack was "professionally prepared" and likely initiated by a foreign intelligence service[2].
The case serves as a reminder to take the issue of Iranian spying more seriously, according to Peter Neumann. He also highlighted the need for additional powers and capabilities of the federal and state criminal police, as well as intelligence services, to enhance protection[2].
[1] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/cyberangriff-auf-berlins-justizsenatorin-felor-badenberg-verdacht-gegen-iranische-hacker-erhebt-sich/27637702.html [2] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article215620596/Iranische-Hacker-verdachtig-im-Cyberangriff-auf-Felor-Badenberg.html
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