# Berlin Ministries Disconnected from IT Network Following Security Breach Two Berlin state ministries, responsible for urban development, construction, housing, mobility, transport, climate protection, and the environment, have been cut off from the city government’s IT network. This drastic measure was implemented after authorities identified a security breach within their systems. ## Precautionary Disconnection and Ongoing Investigation The **Berlin Senate Chancellery** confirmed the ministries' isolation from government networks since Friday as a precautionary step. While the incident's specifics remain under wraps, officials have not disclosed the perpetrators, the method of access, or whether any data was exfiltrated. The timeline of the intrusion is also unclear. "The security of the state network is the top priority," stated the Senate Chancellery. "For investigative reasons, no further specific information about the scope or background can currently be provided." ## Impact on Operations and Public Services German public broadcaster **RBB**, citing government sources, reported that attackers allegedly exploited a vulnerability within the IT systems of one of the affected ministries. Importantly, **ITDZ Berlin**, Berlin's state-owned IT service provider, was not impacted by the breach. The two affected ministries manage their segment of the state network independently of ITDZ, sharing some IT infrastructure. Despite the disconnection, both ministries remain operational. However, employees have been cut off from their standard IT systems, including email and internet access, necessitating communication via telephone, text message, and fax. The disruption has also extended to public services, with applications for housing benefits and education assistance currently unable to be processed at some district offices due to their reliance on systems operated by the urban development ministry. Authorities have not yet provided an estimated timeframe for when the ministries will be reconnected to the state network.