Cyberkandal in the Ministry of the Interior: FPÖ demands immediate information!
FPÖ criticizes cyber attack on the Ministry of the Interior as total failure, demands extensive information and higher security standards.

Cyberkandal in the Ministry of the Interior: FPÖ demands immediate information!
On August 30, 2025, FPÖ security spokesman Gernot Darmann drove sharp criticism of a cyber attack on the IT infrastructure of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior. He described the incident as "total failure" by Interior Minister Karner regarding cyber security. Darmann emphasized that the attack on such a sensitive ministry made it clear that the security measures were inadequate. This is in the context of a similar incident in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also indicates serious security deficiencies. Darmann expressed concerns about the developments and information policy of the Ministry, since the attack was discovered weeks ago, but the public was only informed about it. His criticism also opposed the reactions of Karner and SPÖ State Secretary Leichtfried, which he characterized as inadequate and appeasing.
Darmann called for an immediate and comprehensive clarification of the incident and expects detailed information about the damage caused, lost data and compromised systems. He emphasized the need for transparency towards the citizens and announced that they take measures in parliament to clarify the situation and name responsibilities. According to ots.at This is a worrying signal for the internal security of Austria.
Growing threat from cybercrime
The rising cyber attacks are not just a problem in Austria. Cybercrime is also a significant threat in Germany. From the "Bundeslagild cybercrime 2024] (https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/bka-und-und-und- and 2024 rose from around 190,000 to almost 202,000. In contrast, there was a slight decline from around 134,000 to around 131,000 cases in Germany. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced measures to combat cybercrime more effectively, among other things through extended powers for the security authorities and higher security standards.
The importance of artificial intelligence (AI) is not neglected. It is used both to further develop the tools of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and cybercriminals to intensify phishing attacks. This development is worrying, especially with regard to the increase in ransomware attacks that cause the greatest financial damage. Two to three heavy attacks are reported in Germany every day, which caused a total damage of around 180 billion euros in 2024, which corresponds to 30 billion euros more than in the previous year.
International dimension of cybercrime
Cybercrime has international dimensions and the threat has increased in particular since the Ukraine secretary. bka.de reports on increased cyberstuties that have reached a new high in 2024. An important focus here is on foreign offenses, with 201,877 crimes committed by unknown or foreign perpetrators. Police measures to combat these threats have a high priority for the BKA, which can also be seen in an educational rate of 32 percent in cybercrime offenses in Germany.
In view of these alarming developments, extensive transparency and information is of crucial importance on both the state institutions and close cooperation at the international level. The need to strengthen the legal framework for combating cybercrime is obvious than ever. This applies in particular with regard to the progressive professionalization of the perpetrators and the use of modern technologies by cybercriminals.