German Government Pushes More Offensive Cyber Response Amid Ongoing Public-Sector Disruptions
Germany’s federal government signaled a shift toward a more offensive posture in response to cyberattacks. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Germany intends to “strike back,” including actions abroad to disrupt attackers and destroy their infrastructure, with operations to be carried out jointly by intelligence services and the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA). The Interior Ministry also plans a new defense center for hybrid threats, prepared by the domestic intelligence service, to improve coordination across government levels; Dobrindt framed the move as a response to persistent attacks on institutions, critical infrastructure, and companies, often attributed to groups linked to state services (including Russia).
Separately, the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (a network of 15 museums) reported continued operational impacts from a cyberattack, with museums remaining open but key services still impaired, including online ticketing, card payments on-site, the online shop, and visitor services. Police and the state criminal office initiated investigations, and the Dresden public prosecutor indicated the case may be handled by Saxony’s specialized cybercrime unit (ZCS). The UK government’s discussion of building a digital ID system in-house is policy/technology governance reporting and does not describe a specific cyber incident or vulnerability tied to the German developments.
Timeline
Jan 26, 2026
German interior minister announces more offensive cyber response plans
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Germany intends to respond more aggressively to cyberattacks, including disrupting attackers and destroying their infrastructure abroad. He also said a new defense center against hybrid threats is being prepared by the BfV and is expected to begin work later in 2026.
Jan 23, 2026
Cyberattack continues to disrupt Dresden State Art Collections
The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden reported ongoing operational restrictions from a cyberattack affecting the museum institution. The incident was publicly reported as still limiting operations by January 23, 2026.
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