JAKARTA - Two Dutch intelligence agencies have issued warnings about hacking attempts targeting officials and military personnel. This crime was committed by Russian hackers.
There are two applications that are the target of this hacking, namely Signal and WhatsApp. This hacker tried to log into the accounts of influential figures through these two major messaging applications.
Launching from Reuters, hackers use the disguise method of technical assistance services to persuade victims to reveal the six-digit verification code. After getting the code, the perpetrator will take over the user's personal account.
The Dutch Intelligence Agency (AIVD) said that journalists and government employees were the main targets in this hacking operation. They believe that a number of sensitive information has likely fallen into the hands of the Russians.
Although Signal and WhatsApp have end-to-end encryption, hackers can still get in through the 'connected device' feature gap. Intelligence agencies advise users to be on the lookout if they find contact numbers that mysteriously appear twice.
The Director of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), Rear Admiral Peter Reesink, gave a stern warning regarding the use of commercial messaging applications. According to him, third-party applications should not be used for matters related to the state.
"Messaging apps such as Signal and WhatsApp should not be used as channels for confidential, confidential, or sensitive information," Reesink said, quoted on Monday, March 9.
After this alleged hacking emerged, WhatsApp warned its users not to share their PIN codes with anyone. They said they would continue to develop their defense system to protect users from various cyber threats.
Meanwhile, the Dutch authorities have issued a cybercrime warning to all parties working in the government. They also offer technical assistance to identify accounts that have been infiltrated and remove the threat of hacking.
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