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Power outage in Berlin: Security gaps in critical infrastructure!
Terrorist attack in Treptow-Köpenick: Power outage affects 50,000 households. Investigations are ongoing. Security experts warn of further attacks.
Power outage in Berlin: Security gaps in critical infrastructure!
Four weeks ago, there was a targeted attack on an electricity pylon in Berlin-Treptow-Köpenick, which subsequently left around 50,000 households and commercial customers temporarily without power. The power supply could only be fully restored after around 60 hours. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) expressed optimism about the search for the perpetrators, while the public prosecutor's investigations continue. Report on the incident rbb24, which also refers to a similar incident in March 2024 in Grünheide, in which an electricity pylon was also set on fire.
The investigators found a letter of confession that was published on the Indymedia platform and was signed by a group called “Vulkangruppe” and “Some Anarchists”. Manuel Atug, a renowned security expert, points out that information about power lines is publicly available and therefore no special knowledge is required to carry out such attacks. The lack of emergency management and slow reaction times in the event of a power outage are also criticized, while Henrik Beuster from Stromnetz Berlin defends his company's preparation and ability to react.
Dangers to critical infrastructure
The risk of further attacks on critical infrastructure remains, adds Atug, who calls for more preventive measures to minimize potential consequential damage. However, Edis AG, which is responsible for the Brandenburg incident, assures that they have emergency plans and carry out regular exercises. After the events, security measures were increased at the rebuilt power pole, such as barbed wire and cameras.
Parallel to the incidents in Germany, there were massive power outages in Spain and Portugal at the beginning of the week, which caused significant disruption to everyday life. In this context, a possible cyber attack on the infrastructure is also being investigated. However, the Federal Network Agency has given the all-clear for Germany; A comparable power outage is unlikely due to the redundant structure of the power grid. Still, there are concerns about the security of critical infrastructure, including energy, water, transportation, communications, health and finance, as DW reports.
Cybersecurity as a challenge
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has classified the threats to critical infrastructure, particularly from cyberspace, as high. This insight highlights the need for comprehensive strategies against threats such as state-sponsored operations, cybercrime and hacktivism that pursue ideological goals. Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI, warns urgently about the potential consequences of a disrupted energy supply. The developments show that geopolitical tensions also influence the motivation of possible attackers.
Given these challenges, measures to strengthen cybersecurity in the energy sector are being discussed. This includes the development and enforcement of sector-specific security standards for all actors in the energy system. A central goal is that only components from countries classified as “trustworthy” are used in the critical infrastructure. The incoming German government plans to invest 500 billion euros in infrastructure over twelve years, with the aim of creating binding standards for water supply, energy, transport and communications, according to information from [BSI].