A nationwide alert system in Brazil was compromised overnight, sending a puzzling message containing the word “misanthropy” – meaning hatred of humankind – to millions of mobile phones. The message, delivered via the country’s highest-level emergency alert system typically reserved for life-threatening events, triggered widespread confusion and alarm in major cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. Authorities quickly clarified that no actual emergency existed and the alert was the result of an external hack. The system was temporarily taken offline for security reasons and is expected to be restored once vulnerabilities are addressed. The incident occurred hours after Brazil’s World Cup qualifying win, adding to the disorientation experienced by some recipients. Social media was flooded with questions about the message’s meaning and speculation about its origin, with some jokingly suggesting extraterrestrial involvement. Investigations are underway to determine the source and extent of the breach.