Dutch intelligence warns of Russian cyber campaign targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts globally
Summary
Dutch intelligence agencies (AIVD and MIVD) have exposed a large-scale global cyber campaign by Russian state hackers targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts. The hackers primarily impersonate a Signal Support chatbot to trick users into revealing security verification codes and pincodes, which are then used to take over accounts. Another method exploits the 'linked devices' feature in both messaging apps. The campaign specifically targets dignitaries, military personnel, and civil servants worldwide.
Source
bskyDutch intelligence warns of Russian cyber campaign targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts globallyenglish.aivd.nlKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe Russian campaign is focused on persuading users to divulge their security verification- and pincodes, allowing the hackers to gain access to the users' Signal or WhatsApp accounts.
The most frequently observed method used by the Russian hackers is to masquerade as a Signal Support chatbot in order to induce their targets to divulge their codes.
Another method used by the Russian actors takes advantage of the 'linked devices' function within Signal and WhatsApp.
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