Russian Hackers Exploit Signal’s Linked Devices to Spy on Ukraine

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Russian state-aligned threat actors are ramping up efforts to spy on Ukrainian military and government officials via their secure messaging applications, including Signal Messenger and WhatsApp, Google revealed today. These threat actors are increasingly targeting Signal Messenger by exploiting its “linked devices” feature, which allows the app to be used on multiple devices simultaneously. This sophisticated technique enables hackers to intercept secure communications without requiring full-device compromise, posing a significant threat to the privacy and security of its users.

One of the primary methods these hackers use to exploit Signal’s linked devices feature involves crafting malicious QR codes. Typically, linking a new device to a Signal account requires scanning a QR code. However, threat actors have devised a way to create deceptive QR codes that, when scanned, link the victim’s account to a hacker-controlled Signal instance. This allows for synchronous delivery of future messages to both the victim and the hacker in real-time. By using this method, hackers can eavesdrop on secure conversations without the victim’s knowledge.

The attackers often disguise these malicious QR codes as legitimate Signal group invites or device-pairing instructions from the Signal website. In some cases, they embed QR codes into phishing pages that mimic specialized apps used by their targets, such as the Kropyva application, which Ukrainian soldiers use for artillery guidance. Additionally, Russian soldiers have been directed to link Signal accounts on devices captured on the battlefield to actor-controlled infrastructure for further exploitation. This multifaceted approach enables hackers to persistently monitor and exploit the communications of their targets.

Broader Threat to Secure Messaging

The threat to secure messaging applications is not limited to Signal alone. Russian hackers have also targeted other popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp by abusing the linked devices feature. The Star Blizzard group (UNC4057) has been identified as a key player in compromising WhatsApp accounts through similar techniques. This group has been known to orchestrate sophisticated attacks aimed at compromising the security of messaging applications, further intensifying the threat landscape.

Google has raised concerns that the threat against secure messaging applications is likely to escalate in the near future. This trend can be observed in the broader context of other developments in the cyber threat landscape, such as the growing commercial spyware industry and the proliferation of mobile malware variants in active conflict zones. The increasing demand for offensive cyber capabilities that can monitor sensitive communications underscores the need for robust security measures to safeguard users’ online activities.

The ability of these hackers to exploit the linked devices feature in secure messaging applications highlights a significant vulnerability that can be leveraged for espionage and surveillance activities. As these tactics continue to evolve, it becomes imperative for individuals and organizations to implement proactive security measures to mitigate the risks associated with such attacks. The importance of staying vigilant and adopting best practices for mobile device security cannot be overstated.

Mitigation Measures for Enhanced Security

Russian state-aligned cyber threat actors are intensifying their espionage efforts on Ukrainian military and government officials by infiltrating their secure messaging apps, including Signal Messenger and WhatsApp, Google announced today. These cyberattacks focus on exploiting Signal Messenger’s “linked devices” feature, which lets the app function across multiple device

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