Hackers leak Berlin's secret drone threat documents

The Rhysida hacking group breached Berlin's government networks and published an archive after a ransom was not paid, Bild reports. About 5.79 TB of data — approximately 1.5 million files — were stolen, with a ransom of around 2 million euros demanded; the payment deadline expired on September 4. Among the leaked documents are hundreds concerning drones and urban infrastructure vulnerabilities. A paper from Berlin and Brandenburg aviation authorities states that drones could "at any time deliver dangerous objects" into secured areas. During 19 summer days in 2025, 2,093 drone flights were recorded within a 30 km radius of Berlin's airport. Authorities and federal police detected hazardous flight routes daily, identifying several "hotspots" affecting air traffic. The attack on Berlin's Senate was reported on August 14; the data leak occurred between August 7 and 12. Media reports indicate the files included documents related to German defense companies and the armed forces.