Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging

The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.

A purported U.S. Cyber Command memo claiming that multiple apps were “compromised” and could be revealing servicemembers’ locations is fake, a DOD official confirmed to Defense One. 

“The command did not issue messages to U.S. service members to turn off location services on their electronic devices and did not issue messages that applications had been compromised,” the official wrote. “Due to operational security concerns, U.S. Cyber Command does not comment nor discuss cyber intelligence, plans, operations, capabilities or effects.”

The fake message claimed that Uber, Snapchat, and Talabat — a Middle East grocery service — were compromised and could reveal the location of service members. Some versions circulated also appear to say that locations of service members within the continental U.S. were also compromised. 

Uber late Sunday said there were ...