Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2014 The Dutch Defence Intelligence and Security\nService (MIVD) has released a document alleging that hackers or\ncybercriminals from Russia are targeting users of the digital platforms\nSignal and WhatsApp globally.<\/p>\n
The reported hacking targets specifically government officials and\nmilitary personnel, as well as journalists worldwide.<\/p>\n
According to a TechCrunch report on Monday, 9 March, the hacking\noperation uses phishing and social engineering techniques to take over\nuser accounts on both instant messaging applications.<\/p>\n
If targets are deceived, the hackers will request verification codes\nsent via SMS. Notably, hackers impersonating administrators claim to\nrequest codes and PINs from victims as a prerequisite for Signal to fix\n\u201cproblems\u201d.<\/p>\n
The PIN and verification codes are subsequently used to register a\nnew device with a new telephone number, impersonate the victim\u2019s\nidentity, and potentially access the victim\u2019s contacts.<\/p>\n
In the document, it is explained that \u201cbecause Signal stores chat\nhistory locally on the mobile phone, victims can access the history\nagain after re-registering. As a result, the victim may assume that\nnothing is wrong\u201d.<\/p>\n
Specifically, Signal does not actually provide direct support through\nthe application if there is an indication of a security breach.<\/p>\n
Besides deceiving victims by impersonating app administrators, the\nhackers are also reported to attempt to deceive victims into scanning QR\ncodes or clicking malicious links.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, the perpetrator can send a QR code or link to the\nvictim to add them to a chat group, but the QR code or link actually\nconnects the perpetrator\u2019s device to the victim\u2019s account,\u201d the report\nexplains.<\/p>\n
If hackers successfully deceive a victim, there is potential for them\nto read previous messages.<\/p>\n
In the situation where WhatsApp has been compromised, the victim may\nnot realise that they have given access to hackers because they have not\nlogged out of their account.<\/p>\n
Meta spokesperson Zade Alsawah stated that WhatsApp advises users\nnever to share their six-digit code with anyone.<\/p>\n
He recommended that users instead access the Help Centre page to\nrecognise suspicious messages, and the page about the Linked Devices\nfeature to ensure which devices are connected to their device.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/russian-hackers-reported-to-target-signal-and-whatsapp-users-globally-1773129331", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }