Hacker attack on police phones: Dangerous security gaps revealed!

Hacker attack on police phones: Dangerous security gaps revealed!

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - A hacker attack on the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania police has caused excitement in the past few weeks. The investigation that has been running since the beginning of June provides alarming insights into the security gaps that attackers could exploit. As N-tv are currently concerned about a possible data outflow. In particular, these are data from service cell phones that contain sensitive information such as phone numbers and names of the police officers.

After the first alarm, when the use of the vehicle information had to be suspended for a few days, it has now been found that many of the cell phones are still unusable. In the meantime, old radio technology is used again, and some officials receive replacement devices. It is still unclear whether there has been a serious data drainage, but there is indications of a cyber attack that specifically collected files from the police phone server.

The background of the attack

The background of the attack are complex. According to Tagesschau has already confirmed that no investigative or personnel files are affected. According to the investigation, the hackers used two security gaps in the software used, which could collect data from May to the closure of the server on May 22nd.

was problematic that warnings about these security gaps were not forwarded to the responsible bodies in good time. An email with information landed with a former employee of the state office who was no longer in the position to pass on the information. This shows how important quick and clear communication is within the authorities.

costs and effects

The financial consequences could be enormous. The damage due to the required new acquisition of the server is estimated at 200,000 to 250,000 euros, but the total damage could go into the millions if many cell phones have to be replaced. This would not only be a blow to the budget, but also against the efficiency of the police. Police communication is currently via radio devices, which slows down operations.

The police union criticizes the sluggish transfer of information and demands more transparency from those responsible. Officials have the feeling of being left in the unclear, since information about the incident is only communicated piece by piece. It cannot be ruled out that these types of attacks are not just isolated cases. Citizens' data is also in danger if such attacks are made to authorities.

the need for cyber security

In the light of these events, it becomes clear that cyber attacks on municipalities and authorities are becoming increasingly common. Like Grant Thornton , this pressure on digitization throughout Germany is increasing. It is all the more important to invest in IT security, to sensitize employees to cyber dangers and to carry out backups critical data regularly.

The current situation shows that authorities urgently need to develop a comprehensive strategy for cyber defense. This is the only way to maintain digital sovereignty and the security of the citizens are protected as best as possible. Here everyone is required to contribute to their part so that the police and other important organizations can perform their tasks without additional obstacles