Ukraine and Russia report hacks of air-raid warning apps

Cyberattacks overnight into Monday, 2 November, hit the mobile apps that Ukraine and Russia use to warn residents about air raids. The apps announce incoming missiles and drones and advise people to take shelter or go down to a bunker. This appears to be the first breach of such scale during the war, directly disabling one of the key channels authorities use to inform citizens.

Fake alerts in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the app began sending alarming false messages late on Sunday night. They warned of a nuclear radiation threat in the capital, Kyiv, a chemical attack, street fighting and incoming Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, against which Ukraine has no interceptors. One of the messages was written in Russian.

Ukraine's Air Force issued a clarification on Telegram within the hour, urging people to stay calm and disregard the messages.

Russia's response

Some hours later, Russian authorities said their own warning app had been hacked and had to be taken offline. A Ukrainian hacker group has claimed it sent fake alerts about nuclear warheads to users inside Russia.

Strikes on energy sites

Alongside the cyber warfare, both sides also carried out strikes overnight, targeting energy sites such as oil refineries. Attacks have been reported in Zaporizhzhia and Odesa.