Russia and Ukraine emergency alert apps hit by cyberattacks
Hackers sent fake nuclear and radiation warnings to civilians in both countries over the weekend, according to Al Jazeera and Mint reports.
Hackers targeted emergency alert mobile applications in both Russia and Ukraine over the weekend, sending false warnings regarding nuclear, chemical, and radiation threats, according to Al Jazeera and Mint.
In Ukraine, the Air Alert app sent fake notifications to users in and around Kyiv on Sunday, claiming there were nuclear and chemical threats, potential street combat, and the deployment of Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik missile, Al Jazeera reported.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated on Telegram that the app appeared to have been subjected to enemy influence but clarified there was no radiation threat. The Ukraine Center for Strategic Communications blamed Russia, noting the use of the Russian language in one fake message.
In Russia, the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief said its app suffered a “massive cyberattack” on Monday, which spread false information. Media reports stated hackers warned of Ukrainian drones carrying nuclear warheads and instructed citizens to stock up on food for three weeks.
A Russian Telegram channel, Mash, claimed the hacking group Hitcore took responsibility for the attack, though AP stated this could not be independently verified. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian government agencies face constant cyberattack threats, including those involving artificial intelligence.
The cyberattacks occurred around the same time a localised ceasefire in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky expired on Sunday. The White House said US First Lady Melania Trump had helped broker the truce, which lasted from October 27 to November 1.