Media: Russian hackers target key Bundeswehr suppliers in serious cyberattacks

Two suppliers to the German Bundeswehr have recently been subjected to serious cyberattacks, likely carried out by Russian hackers.

According to Tagesschau, journalists from WDR, NDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung have unofficially learned that two suppliers of the German Bundeswehr have been hit by severe cyberattacks in recent times. Initial investigations point to a Russian connection.

Specifically, in mid-June, a company from Hesse that provides satellite communication services to the Bundeswehr was affected by a ransomware attack.

According to preliminary assessments by security experts, sensitive information of the ministry may have been leaked as a result of the attack. However, the Bundeswehr currently believes that the damage is not extensive.

“Based on the information currently available, the traffic involving Bundeswehr operational data and the Federal Ministry of Defence’s own IT networks was not affected by the attack,” the German Ministry of Defence commented.

The second affected company is an engineering firm from Lower Saxony, which acts as a contractor for the construction of Bundeswehr Operational Command facilities, including those mentioned in a classified operational plan describing the deployment and movement of forces and assets within the country in the event of a serious security deterioration or war.

It is still unclear whether the hackers managed to steal any sensitive information.

Investigators lean toward the conclusion that Russian hackers are responsible but leave open the question of whether they are acting independently for criminal motives or as “hacktivists” cooperating with Russian state structures.

By Vugar Khalilov