Published on : 24 March 2026
In a significant cybersecurity alert, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have jointly warned that Russian-linked hackers are targeting users of popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.
The agencies revealed that attackers are using sophisticated yet deceptive methods to hijack accounts, raising serious concerns about digital privacy and national security.
According to officials, the attacks are not based on breaking encryption but instead rely heavily on social engineering techniques. Hackers trick users into revealing login credentials, verification codes, or linking their accounts to malicious devices.
These methods include:
Experts say one of the most common tactics involves misuse of WhatsApp Web. Attackers convince victims to scan a QR code, unknowingly granting access to their chats.
Another method involves sending fake verification requests, where users are tricked into sharing OTP codes.
The warning highlights that these attacks are not limited to a specific region. Individuals, journalists, government officials, and organizations worldwide are potential targets.
The agencies emphasized that messaging platforms, even those with strong encryption like Signal, are vulnerable when users fall victim to scams.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued several recommendations:
Cybersecurity experts believe that human error remains the weakest link. Even the most secure platforms cannot protect users from manipulation.
The warning also raises concerns about cyber warfare, where state-backed groups target communication systems for intelligence gathering.
The joint warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
एक महत्वपूर्ण साइबर सुरक्षा चेतावनी में Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) और Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) ने संयुक्त रूप से चेतावनी दी है कि रूसी हैकर्स WhatsApp और Signal जैसे लोकप्रिय मैसेजिंग ऐप्स को निशाना बना रहे हैं।
अधिकारियों के अनुसार, ये हमले एन्क्रिप्शन तोड़ने पर आधारित नहीं हैं, बल्कि सोशल इंजीनियरिंग तकनीकों का उपयोग करते हैं। हैकर्स यूज़र्स को धोखा देकर उनकी जानकारी हासिल करते हैं।
विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार, WhatsApp Web का गलत उपयोग एक आम तरीका है। हैकर्स QR कोड स्कैन कराकर अकाउंट एक्सेस कर लेते हैं।
यह खतरा किसी एक क्षेत्र तक सीमित नहीं है। आम नागरिक, पत्रकार, सरकारी अधिकारी और संगठन सभी इसके निशाने पर हो सकते हैं।
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ने कुछ महत्वपूर्ण सुझाव दिए:
साइबर सुरक्षा विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि सबसे बड़ी कमजोरी इंसान की गलती है। यह चेतावनी साइबर युद्ध के बढ़ते खतरे की ओर भी इशारा करती है।
Federal Bureau of Investigation और Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency की चेतावनी यह बताती है कि साइबर सुरक्षा सभी की जिम्मेदारी है।