Hackers Hijack US Radio Equipment, Trigger False Alerts and Offensive Broadcasts
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2025 — Broadcasters across the United States are reeling from a wave of cyber-attacks that saw hackers hijack radio transmission equipment to broadcast fake emergency alerts and offensive content, officials have warned. The assaults exploited weaknesses in certain network-audio devices, allowing attackers to override normal station programming and force the public to hear bogus “emergency” messages followed by obscene language or hate speech.
The infiltrators targeted poorly secured radio gear, rerouting the audio feed so that — instead of regular radio content — victims received an “attention signal” associated with the national emergency-alert system. That signal, typically reserved for real disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, was abused to draw immediate attention before airing the unauthorized content. In some instances, entire radio streams were hijacked, affecting listeners across multiple states.
Officials say the root cause lies in outdated or improperly configured equipment. In many cases, default passwords and weak security settings left stations vulnerable. Hackers took advantage of these lapses, injecting their own audio streams over legitimate broadcasts.
This breach undermines public trust in broadcast media and official alert systems. The misuse of emergency-alert tones — intended for life-saving announcements — for pranks or hateful messaging risks desensitizing listeners, raising doubts about the reliability of alerts when real emergencies strike. For broadcasters, the incident is a wake-up call: outdated systems and lax security practices are no longer acceptable given today’s cyber threat environment.
Beyond immediate reputational damage, there is potential for real harm: fake alerts can spark panic, confusion, or even dangerous behaviour if people believe disasters are unfolding. In a media ecosystem where emergency signals carry serious weight, such hijackings jeopardize public safety as well as broadcaster credibility.
Authorities urge radio stations to immediately audit all transmission-equipment configurations: change default passwords, apply firmware and software updates, and restrict remote access. They must also consider implementing stricter security protocols for audio-stream devices and ensure authentication for any alert or alert-tone use.
The incident highlights how modern broadcast infrastructure — tied to internet-connected devices — can be a cyber-security risk. As radio and streaming converge, the need for robust digital-security hygiene becomes critical.
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Regulators and broadcaster associations are expected to issue new guidelines to guard against future hijackings. Listeners are also being warned to stay alert for potential fake alerts and to verify the authenticity of emergency messages, especially if they hear unusual content.
Meanwhile, broadcasters may accelerate upgrades to more secure, modern systems, signaling a broader shift in how media companies protect both their infrastructure and their audience.
