A cyberattack has impacted the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD), a collection of 15 museums, and continues to cause disruptions as of today. The Grassimuseum für Völkerkunde in Leipzig, which is part of the SKD, is also affected.
Cyberattack Disrupts Operations
According to a spokesperson for the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, there is currently “no new status” regarding the resolution of the issues stemming from the attack, which began on Wednesday. While the museums remain open to the public – including the Leipzig location – visitors are facing limitations.
The SKD’s security system remains fully functional. However, the online shop and visitor services are currently inaccessible. Museums are only accepting cash payments, and online ticket purchases are temporarily suspended. Importantly, all pre-booked online tickets will still be honored and can be accessed on-site.
The cyberattack has affected “wide parts of the digital infrastructure.” An internal crisis team has been activated, and IT specialists and forensic IT services are working to restore the systems. The SKD is coordinating closely with the Dresden Police Directorate and the State Criminal Police Office.
The nature of the attack and the identity of potential perpetrators remain unknown, with officials citing ongoing investigations. It is currently unclear when all affected systems will be fully restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What museums are affected by the cyberattack?
The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, a collection of 15 museums, is affected. This includes the Grassimuseum für Völkerkunde in Leipzig.
Are the museums still open to visitors?
Yes, the museums are still open, including the museum in Leipzig.
What payment methods are currently accepted at the museums?
Currently, only cash payments are being accepted in the museums.
As recovery efforts continue, will museums increasingly prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets and ensure continued access for the public?
