Emergency alert apps hacked in Ukraine and Russia
Emergency alert mobile applications in Ukraine and Russia were hacked on Sunday, issuing false warnings about radiation and chemical attacks.
Emergency warning applications in both Ukraine and Russia were targeted by cyberattacks on Sunday evening, resulting in false alerts sent to citizens across both countries.
Ukraine's public warning app issued fictitious notifications regarding air raids, chemical threats, street fighting in Kyiv, and imminent radiation hazards. Kyiv officials attributed the cyberattack to Russian actors. Hours later, Moscow confirmed that its own emergency alert system had been compromised by similar false warnings, though Russian authorities did not identify a specific suspect.
The security breaches coincided with the conclusion of a temporary six-day localized ceasefire in southern Ukraine. Cyber specialists have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents were coordinated.
Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, The Guardian, The Journal.
Sources
- The Journal — Emergency alert apps hacked in Russia and Ukraine as truce ends
- The Guardian — Hackers send fake nuclear threat alert to Ukraine emergency app
- Cyprus Mail — Ukraine and Russia say emergency alert apps were hit by hacks
- BBC News — What we know about the alert app hack in Ukraine and Russia