World · Europe · 27 outlets (L 1 · C 12 · R 7 · 7 not rated)

Ukraine and Russia report hacked alert apps sent fake nuclear warnings

Hackers breached emergency alert apps in Ukraine and Russia overnight, sending false warnings of nuclear attacks, radiation and chemical threats, according to multiple outlets.^{⁠[3, 4, 18]} Ukraine's Air Force said its air alert system was hacked after false radiation hazard and chemical attack warnings spread panic across Kyiv on Sunday.^⁠[16] The Guardian reported that unknown hackers sent Kyiv residents a warning of an imminent nuclear strike, along with alerts about chemical attack and street-to-street fighting.^⁠[1]

In Russia, users were told nuclear warheads had been launched "at all regions," according to UPI.^⁠[13] Business Insider reported the fake alerts warned of attacks via Russia's Oreshnik missile and small Ukrainian drones.^⁠[4] Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities told residents other air raid systems, like sirens, were working as normal, Newsweek reported.^⁠[10]

Why it matters Residents in Kyiv and across Russia received false nuclear and radiation warnings on official alert apps, and authorities told the public other systems like sirens were working normally.^{⁠[1, 10, 13]}

Covered by The Guardian, NBC News, The Wall Street Journal and 24 more

Background What we know about the alert app hack in Ukraine and Russia · BBC News