Editor’s Note
This investigation reveals a critical security lapse at Christie’s auction house, where a vulnerability exposed the locations of high-value artworks. The flaw, which could have aided potential thefts, appears to have been addressed only after media inquiry.

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Security Flaw at Christie’s Revealed Location of Artworks
IT experts have discovered a vulnerability at the traditional auction house: thieves could have used it to locate expensive artworks. The gap was likely only closed after a SPIEGEL inquiry.
By Max Hoppenstedt
Photo Caption
Employees present two rediscovered Rembrandt paintings at a Christie’s auction.
Photo: KOEN VAN WEEL / EPA