Security Incident Takes Down Craft Chambers’ Sites and Online Services in Germany
In Germany, the sites and online services of several craft chambers were inaccessible after a security incident affected one of the Managed Service Providers (MSP).
According to the Handwerksblatt news agency, which focuses on the craft industry, the incident was discovered in the first week of January. The data center of an unidentified IT service provider was targeted by a cyber attack, resulting in the disconnection of all systems of the affected chambers and the severing of network connections with craft wards. There is also a possibility of a data leak.
Visiting the websites of the affected chambers currently displays a message stating that they are unavailable due to system failure. However, contact can still be made with the wards through phone and email, and visits are also welcomed. Efforts are actively underway to assess and resolve the incident, but there is no estimated timeline for the restoration of website and online service access.
The Craft Chamber of Dusseldorf’s representative confirmed that planned exams, advanced training courses, and extracurricular training will continue as scheduled. However, participants in these activities will not be able to access the resources on the chambers’ websites.
In Germany, there are 16 craft chambers known as Handwerkskammern, which are vital organizations in supporting and regulating the country’s craft industry. They represent the interests of artisans at various levels and interact with state bodies. Craft chambers also play a crucial role in quality control, student and master registration, as well as conducting qualification audits.