Germany investigates espionage via Signal: ministers' accounts hacked

Germany Investigates Espionage via Signal After Politicians' Accounts Hacked

In Germany, a criminal case has been opened on suspicion of espionage through phishing attacks on Signal messenger users. Among the victims are politicians, military personnel, and journalists, including high-ranking officials. DW reports this, as written by UNN.

Details

According to investigators, the probe has been ongoing since mid-February. According to Der Spiegel, accounts of two federal ministers have been hacked – Minister of Education Karin Prien and Minister of Construction Verena Hubertz, and it was previously reported that the account of Bundestag President Julia Klöckner was hacked.

According to German media estimates, victims of the campaign include deputies from almost all parliamentary factions, as well as military personnel, journalists, and NATO representatives. Government structures warn that the attacks may be linked to the activities of a state cyber actor.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Office for Information Security have previously recorded similar threats and provided recommendations for protection.

How the Scheme Works

Attackers use phishing messages asking users to enter a PIN code or follow a link or QR code. After gaining access, they can act on behalf of the user, including in closed chats.

Similar attacks via Signal have been recorded since the end of 2025 also in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, responsibility for the campaign is attributed to Russia, but in Germany, the possible sponsor has not yet been named.