Data Security Incident Disrupts Dresden State Art Collections’ Digital Systems

Germany’s Dresden State Art Collections experienced a data security incident that disrupted digital operations, including its online shop and visitor services.

Based in Dresden, Germany, the Dresden State Art Collections, also known as Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden or SKD, are among the world’s oldest and most prestigious museum complexes, with celebrated collections dating back to the 16th-century Saxon electors. The institution oversees around 15 museums, featuring works by masters such as Raphael and Rembrandt, as well as the renowned Green Vault, one of Europe’s richest treasure chambers, famed for its royal jewels and goldsmithing.

In a data security incident notice published on its website, SKD said that on January 21, it was a victim of a significant cyber attack that affected its digital infrastructure. The museum authorities immediately launched an investigation, with assistance from external cyber security experts, to determine the nature and scope of the incident. 

It also took steps to secure the affected network and notified relevant law enforcement authorities, including the Dresden Police Department and the Saxon State Office of Criminal Investigation, about the incident.

“Large parts of the digital infrastructure have been affected. At present, accessibility to the SKD via telephone and digital channels is severely limited. The online shop and visitor services are currently unavailable,” SKD said.

Museum authorities added that the security network continues to operate normally, with no impact on structural or technical safety, and confirmed that the museums remain open to visitors.

“The Prosecutor General’s Office Dresden is considering taking over the investigation. An internal crisis team has been established. At the same time, IT specialists and IT forensic service providers are engaged in the remediation and reconstruction of the systems,” SKD spokesperson Anja Priewe said.