Langen (dpa) – The German Air Traffic Control (DFS), based in Langen near Frankfurt am Main, has become the target of a hacker attack. “Our office communications have been hacked, we are currently taking defensive measures,” a DFS spokesperson told the German Press Agency when asked. They are trying to keep the effects to a minimum. Air traffic is not affected and is continuing as normal. The Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation had previously reported on this.
According to air traffic control, the attack took place last week. It is not yet known whether data was accessed. The security authorities have been informed, the DFS spokesperson explained.
Media reports: Hacker group responsible
The responsible Federal Ministry of Transport did not provide any further information on the incident and referred to the DFS. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) confirmed the incident: “We are aware of this attack and are working on it,” said a spokeswoman. As of now, however, no information can be provided, not even with regard to the possible other perpetrators.
According to information from Bayerischer Rundfunk, the hacker group “APT 28” is said to be involved in the attack, as the broadcaster reported without citing any sources.
According to the BfV, the group has been active worldwide, especially in the field of cyber espionage, since at least 2004. “It is one of the most active and dangerous cyber actors in the world,” says the website of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The BfV attributes “APT 28” to the Russian military intelligence service “GRU”.
