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Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has confirmed a cyberattack on its mobile app. The announcement came hours after Ukraine reported it suspected its air raid alert system had been hacked. Once detected, Moscow's emergency ministry posted 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.”
The app which got hacked is used for updates about emergencies, including drone attacks. Reports indicate that hackers accessed the system and sent false messages to citizens. The ministry confirmed the incident on November 2 and said it was working to fix the problem. However, it did not reveal who was behind the attack.
The incident began on Sunday when Ukraine also reported about a similar thing. The air force and anti-disinformation center of the country posted, “The Air Alarm application has probably been subjected to hostile interference.”
Some of the false messages warned people about nuclear threats in different parts of Russia. Users there also received fake warnings about radiation and chemical threats. However, Russia’s ministry said its main public warning system was not affected.
Also Read: 10 Essential Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Yourself from Online Threats
When an emergency app stops working or sends false messages, people may find it hard to know what is real. As a result, some start panicking, while others completely ignore the messages. This can put lives at risk during a serious emergency.
That’s the reason why other alert systems should also be activated, including SMS alerts or radio broadcasts. They can easily reach a wide audience in seconds. Sirens and loudspeakers can also warn people who are away from their phones. However, each method has its limits.
Thus, governments should never depend on just one warning system. They need separate channels that can continue working if an app or network fails. Regular tests can also help find problems before a real emergency occurs.