Berlin participates in nationwide cyber attack exercise

Berlin has participated in a nationwide exercise to prepare for the event of a cyber attack.

"Tomorrow's security is being prepared today. That is precisely why we practice and optimize whenever possible - most recently on a larger scale with an exercise for the UEFA Euro 2024 and today with the cross-state and cross-departmental crisis management exercise," Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger (SDP) announced Wednesday. The start button for the two-day hot phase of the exercise "Lükex 23" was pressed at 9 a.m. this morning at the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), a spokeswoman confirmed.

Scenario for the exercise stays secret

"Lükex" is an abbreviation for "länder- und ressortübergreifende Krisenmanagementübung" ("interstate and interdepartmental crisis management exercise"). According to the BBK, about 60 authorities, companies and a total of about 3,000 people took part in the exercise nationwide. Nevertheless, the population is unlikely to notice any of this. The exact scenario for the exercise was kept secret until the very end so as not to jeopardize the exercise effect.

Official website affected by attacks

Senator Spranger recalled a recent cyber attack on the official website of the State of Berlin. This attack, she said, was quickly warded off thanks to existing security mechanisms, but it made clear why precisely such exercises were are necessary. She also stated that such exercises offered the opportunity to critically review structures and processes as well as the cooperation between the federal and state governments.