Dutch intelligence services have warned that a Russian-backed cyberattack campaign is targeting the Signal and WhatsApp accounts of politicians, military personnel, and journalists worldwide.
In a statement, the Dutch General Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) indicated that hackers were attempting to gain access to accounts by tricking users into disclosing their verification codes or PIN codes.
According to these agencies, cybercriminals sometimes impersonate technical support services, notably by using fake chatbots linked to the Signal app. Once they obtain security codes, they can access victims' personal accounts as well as group chats.
Dutch authorities believe these operations likely provided access to sensitive information. Those targeted or affected reportedly include Dutch government employees and journalists.
Encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp are widely used by public officials to exchange confidential information. This popularity also makes them a prime target for malicious actors seeking to obtain intelligence.
Intelligence services are urging users to be extra vigilant against attempts to manipulate and obtain security codes or authentication information, reminding them that this data should never be shared with third parties.
