Informationsverbund Berlin-Bonn

The Informationsverbund Berlin‑Bonn (IVBB) is a German communications network designed for the exchange of information among federal authorities. It operates as an informationsverbund, linking governmental entities located in Berlin and Bonn to enable coordinated communication. The network provides secure channels for ministries, agencies and other federal bodies to share data and collaborate on policy implementation. IVBB supports the transmission of both routine administrative information and more sensitive governmental communications. Its infrastructure includes end‑host systems, network components and application servers that are managed to ensure reliable connectivity. By serving as a central conduit for federal communication, IVBB plays a role in the day‑to‑day functioning of the German government.

The network’s distinguishing attribute is its specialization in providing a dedicated, government‑focused communication platform that is separate from public or commercial internet services. This focus allows IVBB to implement security measures tailored to the protection of classified and official data exchanged between federal agencies. In February 2018, IVBB was targeted by a cyberattack attributed to the Russian threat groups APT28 and Fancy Bear, highlighting its visibility as a high‑value target. The attack employed external denial‑of‑service tactics and attempted data exfiltration from end hosts, network infrastructure and application servers, resulting in a confirmed breach of confidentiality. While the impact on integrity and availability remained unclear, the incident underscored the importance of robust defences for government‑run networks like IVBB. As a German‑based federal communications network, IVBB continues to be a key component of the country’s governmental IT infrastructure, supporting secure inter‑agency dialogue.