Germany pledges to respond to Russian hackers with counter cyber attacks
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt pledged that Berlin would launch retaliatory cyberattacks against foreign hackers, especially those linked to Russian intelligence, in response to ongoing digital attacks targeting German infrastructure and institutions. This announcement marks a significant shift from Germany's traditional defensive approach to cybersecurity.
Dobrindt stated that the repeated attacks on public institutions, companies, and critical infrastructure, which are often attributed to groups with ties to international intelligence agencies, are no longer acceptable. He added that the government will lower the threshold for response and will carry out 'counter-strikes' even outside the country to disrupt the digital capabilities of those responsible for these attacks.
Officials pointed to a prominent example represented by the cyber attack on the Munich Security Conference, which was attributed to entities linked to Russia, as evidence of the nature of the threat Germany may face from offensive actions in the future. This shift reflects the growing concern over what Berlin and its allies describe as a 'hybrid war', which combines digital sabotage, disinformation campaigns, and other covert methods.
As part of the expanded cybersecurity defense strategy, the government is preparing to open a new center to combat hybrid threats, bringing together domestic and foreign intelligence agencies, police, and the military under one roof. Dobrinth also noted the preparation of new legislation to enhance the digital surveillance powers of intelligence agencies, amid previous legal restrictions that hindered their work.
This shift in policy comes at a time when relations between Germany and Russia are experiencing increasing tension, amid accusations of launching cyberattacks on the German air traffic control system and attempts to interfere in the federal elections. Berlin has lodged an official protest and summoned the Russian ambassador over these accusations, while Russian authorities have denied responsibility for them.