Hackers suspected to be behind unauthorized alert sent to cell phones across Brazil

Source: CNN

An unauthorized alert bearing a mysterious message that was sent to cell phones across Brazil Jun. 20 is suspected to be the work of hackers. Devices lit up with the word “misantropi4,” an alphanumeric spelling of the Portuguese word “misantropia,” which in English translates to “misanthropy.” The final letter “a” was substituted with a number ‘4’ – a practice often used by hackers and termed “leetspeak.” The emergency text system is similar to the US’ Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), also known as AMBER alerts, which allows officials to broadcast short emergency text messages directly to mobile devices within specific geographic area. Brazilian authorities said that the National Civil Defense’s warning platform was taken offline after being targeted by a likely hacker attack, and the government is working to restore the tool once all security conditions are reestablished. Full Story