Intelligence confirms Russian state hackers targeting Dutch Signal and WhatsApp accounts
TL;DR
Dutch intelligence confirms Russian state hackers are targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts globally, including Dutch officials and journalists, by impersonating support chatbots to steal verification codes and access messages.
Source: NL Times
The Netherlands’ intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russian state hackers are attempting to access chat apps Signal and WhatsApp accounts worldwide, including those of Dutch government officials, military personnel, and other individuals of interest such as journalists. Signal is reportedly particularly targeted because of its strong reputation as a secure communication platform used by governments. The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) said the hackers attempt to obtain verification and PIN codes by impersonating Signal support chatbots. Once access is gained, attackers can read messages sent to the account and participate in chat groups without the user’s knowledge. Full Story