Dutch Intel Warns of Russian Hackers Hijacking Signal, WhatsApp Attacks

Dutch intelligence warns Russian hackers are hijacking Signal and WhatsApp accounts using fake support bots and verification code scams targeting officials and journalists.

If you have been using Signal or WhatsApp for work, you might want to double-check your security settings. On Monday, 9 March 2026, the Netherlands’ top intelligence agencies, the General Dutch ⁠Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), warned that Russian-state hackers are running a massive global operation to hijack these accounts.

The scary part? They aren’t actually hacking the apps in the traditional sense because they are simply tricking people into opening the door.

The Support Bot Scam

According to the Dutch intelligence services’ alert, hackers are posing as a Support chatbot from Signal. They send a message to their target, usually a government official, soldier, or journalist, claiming there is a problem with the account. They then ask the user ...