FBI Warns of Russian Phishing on Signal Accounts

FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stark warning on Friday about a global cyber campaign by actors linked to Russian intelligence services, who have compromised thousands of accounts on encrypted messaging apps like Signal through sophisticated phishing tactics. The operation targets individuals of high intelligence value, including current and former U.S. government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists, allowing attackers to access private messages, contact lists, and even impersonate victims to launch further attacks.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, released a joint public service announcement detailing the threat. Officials emphasized that the hackers are not exploiting vulnerabilities in the apps' end-to-end encryption but instead relying on social engineering to trick users. Attackers often pose as automated support accounts from the messaging platforms, sending urgent messages that prompt recipients to click malicious links, share verification codes, or scan fraudulent QR codes. These actions enable the hackers to link their devices to victims' accounts or seize full...