Nuclear threats and street brawls: Russia, Ukraine report attacks on their emergency alert apps

Cyberattacks on both Russia's and Ukraine's emergency alert apps led to the dissemination of false messages about missile and nuclear strikes to the public. Officials from both nations confirmed the attacks, which took place at nearly the same time on Sunday evening. Ukraine's Air Force swiftly dismissed nuclear concerns after the country's Alert app was hit first, via Telegram around 2100 UTC.

The Air Alert app may have been compromised, according to the Air Force. At around 0030 UTC on Monday, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that its app had also been targeted, with false messages sent to citizens' devices via Telegram. The ministry is working to fix the vulnerability and restore normal operations.

The ministry clarified that an attack on the app did not equate to a breach of the state's national alert system. Citizens receive alerts through primary channels, such as regional and municipal alert systems, communication networks, and television and radio broadcasts. The mobile app serves as an additional support service. Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Affairs reminded citizens about how to receive emergency warnings while its "Alarm!" app was down.

The fake warnings were related to various threats, including street fights in Kyiv, chemical attacks, and radiation hazards. One early message referenced the Oreshnik missile, suggesting it might not be genuine. Russian-language alerts sent to Ukrainian citizens warned of impending nuclear strikes across all regions, referencing P1-Sun, an Ukrainian attack drone.

Ukrainian parliament member Oleksander Merezhko stated that the attack likely constituted part of Russia's cyber war.