Kyiv app hacked with fake radiation alert

Ukrainian authorities confirmed on November 1 that the national air-raid alert application was compromised. The breach caused the system to push false emergency notifications to residents in Kyiv on Sunday. Officials stated the digital infrastructure likely suffered an enemy cyberattack.

The erroneous alerts instructed citizens to remain indoors due to a supposed radiation hazard. A second alert warned of a chemical attack. Text messages on user devices read, "There is a radiation hazard alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!" Another message stated, "There is a chemical attack alert in Kyiv. Do not go outside!" The online map associated with the app displayed Kyiv and other regions under a nuclear alert status.

The glitch extended beyond the mobile interface. Street loudspeakers in Kyiv played a recorded audio message telling people to take precautions. The app also generated false alerts regarding Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik missile and reported alleged street fighting in the capital. These details appeared on the public dashboard despite no physical threat being present.

The Ukrainian Air Force addressed the incident via a Telegram statement. The service noted that the application appeared to be under enemy influence. "There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel!" the Air Force wrote. The Center for Strategic Communications attributed the intrusion to Russia, though no specific group has claimed responsibility for the hack.

A similar cyber incident affected Russia's own emergency systems. The Russian Emergencies Ministry reported early Monday that its mobile application faced a massive cyberattack. The ministry said the breach allowed attackers to send false information to the public. "Attention! The mobile application of the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia has been subjected to a massive cyberattack," the ministry posted on Telegram.