German government sees Russia behind attack on Signal accounts including ministers Prien and Hubertz

A large-scale phishing campaign targeting Signal messenger accounts has compromised those of several German government members, including BAuministerin Verena Hubertz (SPD) and Familienministerin Karin Prien (CDU). The German government attributes the attacks primarily to Russian actors. At least 300 Signal accounts from politicians, officials, diplomats, military personnel, and journalists have been attacked. The attacks exploit human vulnerabilities via phishing to steal PINs or access through fake 'Signal-Support' messages. The German Federal Prosecutor is investigating the campaign under suspicion of espionage. Dutch authorities have made similar assessments linking Russia to these attacks. Signal’s end-to-end encryption remains secure, but the attackers gain access by targeting users directly. Authorities are increasingly warning the public about these threats, though experts claim responses have been delayed historically. Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner’s Signal account was also reportedly targeted, highlighting the reach of the campaign into high government echelons.