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US offers $10 million for info on group behind Signal and WhatsApp hacking spree

US offers $10 million for info on group behind Signal and WhatsApp hacking spree

Summary

The U.S. government is offering up to $10 million for information to help identify a Russian cyber group that hacked thousands of Signal and WhatsApp accounts. The group tricked users into giving access to their accounts, mainly targeting journalists and government workers.

Key Facts

  • The hacking campaign started at least in March and targets Signal and WhatsApp users.
  • Attackers send fake messages pretending to be support alerts, asking users to click links or share codes.
  • If users comply, hackers gain control or access to their accounts and messages.
  • Signal has a security feature that protects past messages, but attackers found a way to get backups by tricking users into sharing encryption keys.
  • Two Russian cyber groups linked to the FSB, UNC5792 and UNC4221, are blamed for the attacks.
  • The U.S. State Department’s Reward for Justice program is offering $10 million for information about these groups.
  • The campaign targets high-value individuals like U.S. government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists.
  • Attackers also used Signal’s feature for creating group chat links to help in their hacking efforts.
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