Officials in Ukraine announced that the country’s air-raid alert app experienced a likely hack. On Sunday, emergency alerts falsely warned of a ‘radiation hazard’ and a ‘chemical attack alert’ in Kyiv. The messages advised residents to remain indoors.
There is a radiation hazard alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!
Another alert cautioned:
There is a chemical attack alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!
False warnings extended to an online map showing Kyiv and surrounding areas under a nuclear threat. The app also issued erroneous alerts about Russia’s hypersonic Oreshnik missile and non-existent street fighting in the city. In addition, loudspeakers on Kyiv streets broadcast messages advising caution.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the app was compromised, assuring the public that no radiation threat existed:
The air alert app appears to have been subjected to enemy influence. There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel!
Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications attributed the hack to Russia, though no group claimed responsibility.
Simultaneously, Russia’s Ministry of Emergencies reported its mobile app suffered a ‘massive cyberattack.’ This attack allowed perpetrators to disseminate false information. The ministry released an announcement on Telegram:
Attention! The mobile application of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia has been subjected to a massive cyberattack, enabling attackers to send false information to the public.
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