Authorities said they were conducting an extensive review of the leaked data published by the ransomware group to determine the nature and scope of the compromised information.
The cyberattack on Berlin’s network occurred less than a month before state elections scheduled for September 20. The stolen data was published on Friday after the ransomware group RansomHouse held an auction to sell 5.79 terabytes of data, with bids starting at 30 bitcoin.
Berlin had previously stated it would not give in to the hackers’ demands.
The state government said a central crisis unit would oversee the review, verification and assessment of the leaked data and support efforts to inform affected residents and businesses.
Berlin described the hacking incident as a “particularly serious crime” and an attack on the state itself, while urging the public not to share unverified claims on social media.
Authorities said affected individuals would be notified of the data breach in line with German and European data protection rules.