Cell Phone Hacking Investigation - Discovered Method for Data Breach Exposure - Police cell phones under attack, revealing path to data breaches identified
In early June, a significant cybersecurity incident was reported by the Ministry of the Interior in Schwerin, Germany. The police service handys server, which networks the mobile devices of officers, was hacked. The specific methods used by the hackers to exfiltrate data from the server remain undisclosed, as the available sources primarily list various cyber attacks worldwide but do not detail the technical aspects of the Schwerin police incident.
The hackers are believed to have exploited two security gaps in the software used by the police service and other authorities and companies globally. This software, produced by a renowned company, is the same software that was previously mentioned as being used for managing mobile devices.
Initially, the mobile devices could only be used to a limited extent in patrol duty for a few days. As a result, some replacement handys were distributed to managers or officers with special tasks. However, as of now, the telephones are still not usable.
The management server of the handys contained phone numbers, device numbers, and users' names (police officers). It is assumed that hackers created a file with at least part of this data. Hackers are believed to have used a tested attack path to exfiltrate at least part of the data in small packets.
The extent to which data was actually exfiltrated is not yet determinable, as the investigation continues. A possible data leak from the hacked server has been suggested, but the exact nature and extent of the leak are yet to be confirmed.
It is worth noting that the data on the server does not include investigation or personnel files. The handys are used by patrol officers for tasks such as quickly querying vehicle owners online or checking ID documents.
In light of this incident, experts from the Ministry of the Interior in Schwerin have reconstructed and simulated attack paths on the server to better understand the nature of the attack and to prevent future occurrences. For those seeking more detailed technical information about the specific hacker attack, further investigation from official cybersecurity advisories, police statements, or specialized cybercrime reports would be necessary.
- The incident highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the community policy regarding cybersecurity, particularly focusing on the use of technology within the police service and the potential vulnerabilities in the software employed.
- As the Schwerin police incident entailed the exploitation of software gaps, it is crucial for both the employment policy and the technology strategies to prioritize regular updates, robust security measures, and employee training to detect and prevent future cybersecurity threats.
