Russian Hackers Accessing WhatsApp, Signal Users’ Accounts, Say Dutch Intelligence Agencies

The agencies said hostile actors from Russia were also exploiting the ‘linked devices’ feature in both Signal and WhatsApp.

The icons of various social media apps, in this file photo. Yui Mok/PA Wire

Russian hackers supported by the Kremlin have gained access to the WhatsApp and Signal accounts of government officials, military personnel, and journalists, according to a warning issued on March 9 by two Dutch intelligence agencies.

The General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD) and Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) said that “the Russian hackers likely gained access to sensitive information through this campaign.”