German aerospace research centre targeted by espionage attack for months

BERLIN – The German Aerospace Center says it was the target of a suspected espionage attack for several months.

The research centre on Monday confirmed a report by German magazine Der Spiegel and said it had asked the national cyber defencecentre to investigate the attack.

A spokesperson, who declined to give a name in line with the company’s policy, confirmed that several computers used by scientists and system administrators had been infiltrated by spyware. The spokesperson did not want to comment on who may have been behind the attack.

The Cologne-based centre is involved in planning and implementing Germany’s space program and does research in the fields of space, energy, transport and security.

Spiegel wrote the centre is also involved in armament and rocket technologies.