FBI warns Russian hackers are targeting messaging apps like Signal

"The campaign targets individuals of high intelligence value, including current and former U.S. government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists," Patel says.

Published: March 21, 2026 9:30am

The FBI warned on Friday that Russian hackers are targeting messaging apps like Signal.

"The @FBI has identified cyber actors associated with Russian Intelligence Services targeting users of commercial messaging applications, including Signal," wrote FBI Director Kash Patel on X. 

"The campaign targets individuals of high intelligence value, including current and former U.S. government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists," he added.

Patel said users should take action and provided a link to a webpage with more information
 
"Globally, this effort has resulted in unauthorized access to thousands of individual accounts. After gaining access, the actors can view messages and contact lists, send messages as the victim, and conduct additional phishing from a trusted identity," he wrote.

"It's important for you to be aware and take action - this vulnerability is not with the application - but you as the end user," he also wrote. 
 

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