Ukraine Air Raid Alert App Targeted in Cyberattack Sending False Hazards

Ukraine's air raid alert application suffered a cyberattack on Sunday evening, resulting in false emergency warnings sent to users across the country, according to Ukrainian officials. The notifications falsely warned residents of the capital city, Kyiv, of radiation hazards, chemical attacks, and active street fighting.

Fake Alerts Sent via Mobile Application

The incident began at approximately 22:47 local time (20:47 GMT) when the app issued a message declaring a radiation threat in Kyiv. A minute later, a second notification written in Russian warned of an impending nationwide nuclear alert. Subsequent messages sent at 22:49 warned of a chemical attack and active street fighting in Kyiv, instructing residents not to go outside.

Shortly after the initial warnings were sent, a series of individual all-clear notifications were delivered to users' phones, canceling each of the previous threats.

Official Response and Widespread Impact

The Ukrainian Air Force addressed the issue on Telegram, confirming that the application had likely experienced hostile interference. Authorities reassured the public that there was no radiation threat and urged citizens to remain calm and monitor official channels.

Ukraine's Central Intelligence Agency also reported a technical failure in the app. Due to the system compromise, radiation hazard warnings were automatically broadcast over public loudspeakers in the Lviv region. Intelligence officials confirmed no radiation hazard existed and recommended that citizens verify air strike alerts through alternative official sources while keeping smartphone notifications active.

Natalya Zabolotna, the governor of Vinnytsia oblast, confirmed on Telegram that the Air Alert app had been subjected to a cyberattack. She cautioned the public against clicking on any links contained within the malicious notifications. Supported by Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Air Alert application is designed to provide real-time updates regarding the start and conclusion of national defense alerts.