Berlin Refuses $2.4 Million Bitcoin Ransom After Hacker Attack

The Rhysida ransomware group recently targeted Berlin's state government, demanding 30 Bitcoin to keep stolen data private. With Bitcoin trading near $80,000, the demand reached a value of about $2.4 million. Berlin officials stood their ground and let the deadline pass without sending any funds to the attackers.

The refusal led the hackers to publish 5.7 terabytes of stolen information on the dark web. This data includes records from departments handling housing, transport, and environmental issues. While the city's chief digital officer emphasized that the government will not be blackmailed, residents are now being warned to watch out for potential identity theft.

This incident highlights a growing trend where organizations choose to rebuild rather than pay. Reports show that actual ransomware payments dropped by 8% recently, even as the number of attacks increased. For the crypto market, these events serve as a reminder of how the asset is used in cybercrime, though governments are becoming much more resistant to these demands.

Security experts and police are now working to review the leaked files and assess the damage. Berlin is also preparing for an upcoming election, making the timing of this data breach particularly sensitive for local leaders.