Signal, an instant messaging app, denied rumors that its software had been “compromised and hacked” on Monday.
According to Signal, it saw an increase in usage across Eastern Europe, and rumor messages were frequently attributed to official government sources stating “attacks on Signal.”
“This is false and Signal is not under attack”, the company said, adding that these rumors are part of a coordinated misinformation campaign “meant to encourage people to use less secure alternatives.”
Signal’s statement comes after a spate of cyberattacks knocked down Ukrainian banking and government websites along with Russian government owned-websites and state-run media outlets.
The United States and Britain have warned of potential cyberattacks on Ukraine which could have global consequences should, for example, malicious software designed to target networks in Ukraine start to spread elsewhere.
The developments come as Russia invaded Ukraine last week, calling its actions a “special operation.”