Hacker attack in MV: Police mobile phones switched off-what now?

Hacker attack in MV: Police mobile phones switched off-what now?

Vorpommern-Rügen, Deutschland - The state police caught a heavy hacker attack on the wrong foot. The incident has been in the headlines since May 22nd, when a service provider has been informed. Unknown hackers had gained access to the police server, which manages the mobile phones of the police officers. As a result, over 3,500 MPol mobile phones may be permanently unusable. The devices that were originally intended for efficient communication in patrol service can no longer be switched on so that internal communication and data queries are massively restricted, such as NDR reports .

Currently, the officials have to fall back on the old radio technology, which makes police work significantly more difficult. Telephone calls are only possible to a limited extent; In addition, the cell phones may no longer be used for private purposes. The Interior Ministry had initially only communicated temporary restrictions on use, but it is now unclear whether the smartphones can ever be used again. The police union (GdP) is alerted and sees the incident as a setback for police work. It demands investments in qualified personnel and modern technology in order to better counter future cyber attacks.

Investigations and reactions in the state parliament

The Ministry of the Interior has already become active. Investigations into the backers of the attack are ongoing, and the State Criminal Police Office has also taken up the matter. Preliminary findings show that no personal data has been stolen, but internal information such as user data and access information may have been tackled, as mopo However, the CDU and AfD have already submitted applications in the state parliament to debate the situation, but did not find a majority for their advances. Nevertheless, the CDU plans a special meeting of the interior committee to find out about the current state of the investigation.

The incidents not only have an impact on police work, but also indicate a worrying development: cyber attacks on public administrations are increasing. In the past there have been similar incidents in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, including a ransomware attack in 2021, which paralyzed large parts of the administration. The Federal Criminal Police Office therefore recommends that public administrations update their IT security concepts regularly and take measures to defend cyber defense.

Future view and recommendations for action

In the coming weeks, the MPol mobile phones will be examined for malware, and there is hope that they can be reused in the future. Until then, the police officers have to change their work. The Ministry of the Interior issues special recommendations for police stations, such as the regular update of WLAN passwords.