Photo: mo3ambik.media
Ukraine’s Air Alert app has been targeted in a cyberattack, the Ukrainian Air Force said. There is no radiation threat in Ukraine, the military stressed, urging people to remain calm and follow official updates.
“According to our information, the Air Alert app has been hacked,” Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said.
Cybersecurity experts consulted by ZN.UA warned that the attack could pose a direct risk to users’ personal data. They advised people not to open suspicious notifications or follow links contained in them, as these could be used to steal personal information. Users were also advised to consider deleting the app until the situation stabilizes.
The app’s developers confirmed unauthorized interference with its operation. They said they had disabled push notifications and temporarily suspended the service while working to restore it.
“Today, third parties carried out unauthorized interference with the app. We have disabled push notifications and temporarily suspended its operation. The app does not store personal data, so there is no threat to users. Under no circumstances should you follow links in suspicious notifications,” the developers said, apologizing for the disruption.
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said the national warning system was operating normally. Alerts were still being sent to regional authorities and outdoor sirens. Residents were urged to listen for sirens, follow official government announcements and avoid sharing unverified information.
Users reportedly received fake alerts about a nuclear threat and possible street fighting. The Air Force warned that information about the types of threats displayed through the app was unreliable following the hack.
How to receive emergency alerts
The Ministry of Digital Transformation advised smartphone users to enable emergency alerts, which can be delivered even when a device is in silent mode.
iPhone: Settings → Notifications → Emergency Alerts.
Android: Settings → Safety and emergency or Passwords and security → Emergency alerts. Another option is to open Location settings and enable “Air raid alerts in Ukraine.”
Outdoor warning systems remain operational. If you hear a siren or receive an official warning, go to a shelter and stay there until the all-clear is announced. The Air Force’s official Telegram channel remains a source of information about threats.
Air Alert app partially resumes service
The Air Alert app is gradually restoring its functions following the cyberattack. Its developers say they are introducing additional security measures to prevent similar incidents.
The app’s map now displays yellow and red threat levels. Yellow indicates a drone threat, while red signals a large-scale drone or missile attack. Users are also receiving push notifications about air raid alerts. However, the display of individual targets on the map remains temporarily suspended.
The developers reiterated that the app does not store or use personal data and said there is therefore no risk to users’ personal information.
