Hackers send fake nuclear threat alert to Ukraine emergency app
Residents in Kyiv also warned of chemical attack and street-to-street fighting in false message sent by unknown party
TL;DR
- Ukraine's emergency alert app sent fake warnings of a nuclear strike, chemical threat, and street-to-street fighting to residents in Kyiv.
- The messages, written in English and Ukrainian with spelling errors, caused fear and confusion among some recipients.
- The Ukrainian emergency app confirmed unauthorized interference and suspended its service, advising users to ignore suspicious notifications.
- Russian officials claimed hackers also targeted their emergency app, and a Russian Telegram channel linked the hacking group Hitcore to the attack on Ukraine, though this could not be verified.
- The fake alerts coincided with Russia resuming attacks on Kherson following a ceasefire that Ukraine's ombudsman suggested could be repeated, but Russia stated there were no plans for further truces.