Hackers breached emergency alert applications in both Ukraine and Russia, disseminating fake warnings of nuclear attacks and causing widespread panic among citizens.
Emergency alert apps in Ukraine and Russia were compromised by hackers, leading to false warnings of nuclear attacks that caused panic. In Ukraine, the air raid alert channel confirmed 'unauthorized parties' breached their app, temporarily suspending the service. The app, crucial for missile and drone strike alerts, was restored after broadcasting alarming but false claims of high radiation levels and chemical attacks in Kyiv. These posts, riddled with spelling errors and written in Russian, mentioned the hacking group Hitcore, which reportedly claimed responsibility. One fake alarm falsely stated Russia had launched a hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, and declared a nuclear alert across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials quickly issued all-clear messages, assuring the public there was no radiation threat and that official alert systems were functioning. Hours later, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations also reported a massive cyberattack on its mobile app, which issued bogus warnings of nuclear warheads launched against the country, urging citizens to stock food and seek shelter. However, the Russian ministry downplayed the impact, stating it was a supplementary information source, not a primary public warning system. A fake message reviewed by Reuters, intended for Russians, was notably informal, containing colloquialisms and expletives, and criticizing Russia.
