Ukraine Air Raid Alert App Hacked, Sending False Radiation and Chemical Warnings

The update

Ukraine’s Air Force said the nationwide Air Alert app was apparently hacked late on Sunday, sending users false warnings of a radiation threat in Kyiv, a chemical attack and street fighting in the capital. The alerts began at about 22:47 local time, included a message in Russian saying a nuclear alert was coming and that an Oreshnik missile was flying, and were followed by all-clear messages at 23:53. Officials said there was no radiation threat. Regional governors said the app had been attacked and warned people not to click links in the messages, which could be a phishing attempt. The ministry that supports the app said it was temporarily disabled after apparently being compromised.

Why it matters

Millions in Ukraine rely on the app, supported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, for instant warning of Russian missile and drone strikes. False nuclear and chemical warnings risk panic and could erode trust in alerts people depend on to reach shelter. In the Lviv region, a radiation hazard signal was also played on loudspeaker devices, officials said.

What to watch

Whether officials identify who interfered with the app, and how quickly the service is fully restored. Russia’s emergency ministry later said its own app had been hit by a massive cyberattack sending fake information, without giving details.

Sources

• bbc.co.uk — confirms the alert sequence, timing and Air Force statement
• france24.com — confirms Ukraine suspects the app was hacked; spokesman confirmed hack to AFP