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Russian Hackers Target Dutch Officials’ Signal and WhatsApp Accounts, Intelligence Warns
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Russian state hackers likely obtained sensitive information through infiltrating the WhatsApp and Signal accounts of Dutch government employees, according to NOS on March 9.
Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service, MIVD, and General Intelligence and Security Service, AIVD, warned that senior officials, military personnel, civil servants, and journalists were among the targets.
The report noted that the campaign focused on individual users rather than flaws in the messaging apps.
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The agency indicated that the attackers often posed as a Signal chatbot to steal login details. Once they gained access, hackers could take over an account and read group chats without other users noticing.
The agencies warned that Signal’s reputation for secure, encrypted messaging made it attractive for government use and therefore a target for Russian intelligence.
The Dutch Defense Ministry could not specify what information the hackers were seeking.
MIVD’s annual report described the Netherlands as a target because it supported Ukraine and because key technology companies and institutions, including the International Criminal Court, are based there.
AIVD’s report also identified the Netherlands as a potential target because it is a major hub for data and transport.
The intelligence services issued cyber guidance for users of messaging platforms. They advised users to treat messages that appear to come from Signal support as suspicious, check for duplicate group members with slightly altered usernames, and remove compromised accounts from chats.
Earlier, it was reported that Norway’s Police Security Service attributed a cyber intrusion at a dam in Bremanger to Russian hackers, saying the operation briefly seized control of a floodgate and was meant to intimidate and create unrest.
Officials said the attackers opened a valve to boost water discharge to about 500 liters per second for roughly four hours before it was detected and stopped, causing no injuries or damage.
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