BRUSSELS

Russian state-linked hackers have likely obtained sensitive information by compromising the WhatsApp and Signal accounts of Dutch government employees, broadcaster NOS reported on Monday, citing the Netherlands' intelligence services.

The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) said that senior officials, military personnel, and civil servants have been targeted in the cyberattacks.

Journalists are also believed to be among the potential targets.

A spokesperson for the Dutch Defense Ministry said it is unclear what specific information Russian actors were seeking.

According to the MIVD's 2024 report, the Netherlands is an attractive target for Russia due to the country's role in supporting Ukraine, as well as the presence of major technology companies and international institutions such as the International Criminal Court.

The AIVD's 2024 report also noted that the Netherlands functions as a major hub for data and transport networks, which could make it a strategic target for Russian intelligence operations.

The intelligence agencies said the hackers primarily attempt to obtain users' login credentials by impersonating a chatbot from the messaging service Signal.

Once the attackers gain access, they can take control of the account and monitor conversations in chat groups without the user noticing.

According to the agencies, Russian actors are particularly interested in Signal chats because the messaging platform has a reputation for reliability and offers encrypted communications, making it widely used within government institutions.

The MIVD warned that Signal and WhatsApp are not suitable channels for sending sensitive or confidential information, even though the chats are encrypted.