Russian air alert application hacked and sent fake P1-SUN nuclear missile launch warnings
Unknown hackers have hacked Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations' mobile app, which is used to alert the public to air raids, and issued a false warning regarding a nuclear threat on the night of 1-2 November.
Source: Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, Russian media outlet Astra
Quote from the Ministry of Emergency Situations: "The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' mobile app was the subject of a massive cyberattack, as a result of which the attackers managed to send fake information to the public. Efforts are currently underway to rectify the vulnerability of the mobile app and restore its normal functioning."
Details: The notification sent by the compromised app warned of a launch of nuclear warheads on P1-SUN delivery systems across all Russian oblasts. Russians were also urged to stock up on food for three weeks and take shelter in basements.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations later stated that the Russian public notification system was operating normally and that the app hack had not affected and could not affect it.
As of 04:00, the ministry noted that experts were still working to restore the app's functionality.
Background:
- On the evening of 1 November, Ukraine's official Air Alarm application was apparently hacked, displaying alerts in Russian about radiation and chemical hazards, fighting on the streets and threats involving Oreshnik missiles.
- The Ministry of Digital Transformation and the State Emergency Service explained alternative methods for accessing up-to-date information regarding air raid alerts.
- The app's team subsequently confirmed the hack and announced a temporary suspension of service.
- Later, the app was partially restored, and the developers promised to strengthen security to prevent future cyberattacks.
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