Ukrainian officials reported a likely hacking incident affecting the country’s official air-raid alert application. False emergency alerts on Sunday claimed there was a ‘radiation hazard’ and a ‘chemical attack alert’ in Kyiv, misleading residents with warnings to stay indoors.
Messages from the hacked app read, ‘There is a radiation hazard alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!’ and ‘There is a chemical attack alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!’
Alongside, the online map displaying air alerts marked Kyiv and other regions as under a nuclear threat. The app also falsely warned about the Russian hypersonic Oreshnik missile and supposed street fighting in Kyiv.
To add to the confusion, street loudspeakers played recorded instructions urging people to take precautions. However, the Ukrainian Air Force clarified that there was no radiation hazard, confirming the app’s compromise.
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!
This statement from the Ukrainian Air Force was posted on Telegram. Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications accused Russia of the hacking, though no group has admitted responsibility.
While addressing this incident, a cyberattack on Russia’s Emergencies Ministry mobile application was reported the following Monday. This attack allowed false information to be disseminated to the public.
The Ministry of Emergencies of Russia announced 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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