Russia-backed hackers breach Signal, WhatsApp accounts of officials, journalists, Netherlands warns

Russian-backed hackers have launched a global cyber campaign to gain access to Signal and WhatsApp accounts used by officials, military personnel and journalists, two intelligence agencies in the Netherlands warned on Monday.

Users are persuaded in chats initiated by the hackers to divulge security verification and pin codes, giving ‌them access ⁠to personal ⁠accounts and group chats, they said in a statement.

“The Russian hackers have likely gained ​access to sensitive information,” the General Dutch Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and Dutch Military Intelligence and ​Security Service (MIVD) said.