Ukraine's Digital Ministry: Air Raid Alert App Switched Off After Suspected Hack
Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation said the "Air Alert" app was temporarily disabled after a suspected hack. The ministry advised residents on other ways to receive air raid warnings.
Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation announced that the national "Air Alert" app, which notifies users of air attack threats, has been temporarily switched off after a suspected hack. The ministry said the app was probably subjected to hostile interference and that technical work is under way. While it is offline, residents need to rely on other warning channels, since timely alerts matter for safety during the war.
What preceded it
On Sunday evening, the official app was apparently hacked: it displayed notifications about radiation and chemical hazards.
The ministry's advice
The ministry listed four recommendations:
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone. The state emergency notification system sends danger signals regardless of silent modes. On iOS, open "Settings" → "Notifications" and enable the toggles in the emergency alerts section. On Android, open "Settings" → "Passwords & security" (or "Safety & emergency") → "Emergency alerts" and activate the toggles. Alternatively, go to "Location" and enable notifications about air raid alerts in Ukraine.
- Heed the sirens. Sirens and other warning systems are working. On hearing an alert or receiving an official message, go straight to the nearest shelter and stay until the official all-clear.
- Use only official sources. Verified information on air threats and enemy target movements is available from the Ukrainian Air Force channels on Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber.
- Kyiv Digital app. For Kyiv residents, air raid alerts in the "Kyiv Digital" app are working as normal.
