A potential hacker attack targeting mobile devices of Bundestag members and government officials has been confirmed by Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger.

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger has confirmed reports from the ARD news studio regarding a possible hacker attack on mobile devices belonging to Bundestag members and members of the German government. Speaking in the ‘Report from Berlin’ program, Wildberger stated that the attack involved the use of spyware, as indicated by a notification from the US technology company Apple. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has promptly informed all affected individuals in writing.

According to the BSI, Apple issued threat notifications to iPhone users starting October 29, warning of an attack involving ‘Mercenary Spyware.’ These notifications suggested that the devices may have been compromised. While Apple considers such warnings highly reliable indicators of targeted attacks, the company does not disclose the specific triggers for these alerts or identify the attackers. The BSI has advised affected individuals to assume their devices may have been compromised and to take precautionary measures.

Spyware, such as the infamous Pegasus software developed by the NSO Group, is designed to covertly collect user data and transmit it to third parties without consent. These programs can access encrypted messages, calls, contacts, calendars, and even activate microphones and cameras. Wildberger expressed concern over the reports but did not provide further details about the scope of the attack or the identities of the affected politicians. The incident underscores the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by government officials and institutions.