Landkreis Deggendorf

Summary

A digital manufacturing company in Bavaria was targeted in a ransomware attack involving malware installation on its systems, with attackers demanding bitcoin payments to prevent file encryption. Despite the threat, no actual encryption or data exfiltration occurred. The victim utilized established backup strategies to proactively delete and restore files from isolated data backups, mitigating any operational disruption or financial loss. A specialized police Quick-Reaction-Team provided immediate on-site support by securing digital evidence and advising the company during incident response. The preparedness of the organization through robust cybersecurity measures, particularly segregated data backups, effectively neutralized the attack's potential consequences.

Motives

Detailed motive labels are available to members.

TTPs

Detailed technique labels are available to members.

Description

On February 6, 2023, at approximately 9:30 AM, the owner of a digital manufacturing company in Deggendorf, Bavaria, discovered ransomware installed on one of the firm’s computers. The malware posed an imminent threat to encrypt all files on the compromised system, with perpetrators demanding Bitcoin payments for potential decryption. No direct communication occurred between the attackers and the company. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the owner promptly alerted authorities, triggering the deployment of a Quick-Reaction Team (QRT) from the Deggendorf Criminal Police Station. The team arrived on-site to initiate immediate investigative actions. Examination of the affected systems revealed no encrypted files or evidence of data exfiltration, confirming the ransomware activation attempt was unsuccessful. Due to the company’s pre-existing cybersecurity preparations, personnel swiftly enacted contingency protocols leveraging isolated backup systems. They preemptively deleted data from active production environments and restored operations using unaffected backups, preventing operational disruption. This response ensured no financial losses occurred despite the breach attempt.

The Quick-Reaction Team’s intervention followed standardized procedures established across Bavaria since July 2021, where specialized IT investigators and digital forensic experts rapidly secure volatile evidence during live cyber incidents. At the scene, officers prioritized documenting digital traces critical for potential prosecution, obtaining witness statements, and providing tactical guidance to the organization. Their rapid deployment aligned with operational priorities to capture ephemeral forensic artifacts before degradation. The company’s reliance on segregated, regularly tested backup systems—emphasized in post-incident advisories by investigators—proved decisive in containing repercussions. Bavaria’s police reiterated that maintained backup resilience, physically separated from primary networks, remains fundamental for mitigating encryption-based attacks. External communication regarding the incident was managed solely through the Niederbayern Police Presidium, with no additional compromises or follow-up attacks reported.

Sources

Sources available to members: 1 source.