Federal MP's WhatsApp Accounts Hacked in Suspected Russian Phishing Attack

In March 2026, the WhatsApp accounts of a federal MP and three staffers were compromised in a phishing attack believed to be orchestrated by a foreign state actor, likely Russia. The attack involved hackers requesting legitimate WhatsApp verification codes from victims, allowing them to take over the accounts. Following the breach, the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) temporarily blocked WhatsApp access on parliamentary devices to prevent further compromises. The attack was reported during a Senate estimates hearing on May 25, 2026, highlighting the ongoing threat to government officials from state-sponsored cyber activities. The DPS noted that this incident is part of a broader trend of phishing campaigns targeting government officials globally. The block on WhatsApp was lifted after a week, but concerns remain about the security of personal accounts used by parliamentarians. The FBI and other international agencies have issued warnings regarding similar attacks targeting politicians.

Key Points: • WhatsApp accounts of a federal MP and three staffers hacked via phishing. • Attack believed to be orchestrated by Russian state actors targeting government officials. • Temporary block on WhatsApp access implemented to mitigate further risks.