Cyberattacks target emergency alert apps in Ukraine and Russia
Hackers sent false notifications regarding nuclear radiation and chemical threats to users of mobile alert applications.
Cyberattacks targeted emergency alert mobile applications in Ukraine and Russia over the weekend, according to a report by Mint. The attacks involved hackers sending fake warnings to users, including false claims of high nuclear radiation levels in Kyiv.
In Ukraine, the air raid alert channel stated on Sunday that unauthorised parties interfered with the app's operations. The app briefly displayed messages regarding chemical threats, street combat, and the deployment of Russia's Oreshnik missile, according to Moneycontrol.
Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine's air force command, said the incident did not affect national security or defence operations because the app operates separately from military command systems. The app was restored overnight.
Russia's Emergency Ministry also reported that hackers gained access to its mobile application on Monday to spread false information. The ministry stated the broader public warning system remained operational and the app was only a supplementary service.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian government agencies face constant cyberattack threats, including those involving artificial intelligence. He stated that all government bodies must improve the cybersecurity of digital resources.
Separately, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian drone attacks in the Kherson region on Monday, following the expiry of a localised humanitarian ceasefire at midnight.