Zelensky confirms Ukraine targeted Russian emergency alert systems in retaliatory hack
Late on Nov. 1, Ukraine's Air Alert app, which provides vital updates to citizens about incoming Russian strikes, was hacked. Hours after the false warnings were sent to Ukrainian citizens' phones, Russia's own air raid alert system began to show signs of being compromised.
On November 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine confirmed that his country had retaliated against Russia by hacking Russian emergency alert systems in response to a cyberattack on Ukraine's own system. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine only retaliates in response to attacks. The Air Alert app, which provides citizens with critical updates about incoming Russian strikes, was hacked on November 1.
This resulted in false warnings of nuclear, chemical, and street-fighting threats being sent to Ukrainian citizens. One such warning claimed a nuclear alert was imminent, with Oreshnik on its way. Hours later, Russia's air raid alert system showed signs of compromise, with messages claiming nuclear warheads had been launched across all regions of Russia.
The message advised citizens to stockpile food for three weeks and hide in basements. This incident follows a series of cyberattacks between the two nations, including Russia allegedly using AI in attacks against Ukraine and Europe in September. In April, a Russian-linked group hacked over 170 email accounts belonging to prosecutors and investigators in Ukraine.
Zelensky attributed the air alert system hack to Russia, stating it's part of their ongoing efforts to sow chaos across Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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