Ethical Hacking News
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has been embroiled in a scandal after using an unauthorized version of the secure communication app Signal, known as TeleMessage Signal or TM Signal, to communicate with other high-ranking officials. The incident has raised concerns about national security, data breaches, and the misuse of sensitive information.
The US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was using an unauthorized version of the Signal app called TeleMessage Signal (TM Signal), raising national security concerns. The TM Signal app has an archiving feature that undermines end-to-end encryption, making actual Signal communication secure and private. A hacker breached the TM Signal app, and NBC News reported on another breach, fuelling concerns about its security. TeleMessage, the company behind TM Signal, suspended services after an investigation into a potential security incident. Experts question the legitimacy of TeleMessage's claims about the app's security, suggesting it may not be as secure as claimed. The scandal has raised questions about other government officials and agencies using similar apps, with reports of US Customs and Border Protection agents potentially using TM Signal. Experts stress the need for stricter security protocols in government communication apps to prevent national security breaches.
The recent news that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was using an unauthorized version of the secure communication app Signal, known as TeleMessage Signal or TM Signal, has sent shockwaves through the nation's capital. The revelation has sparked widespread concerns about national security, data breaches, and the misuse of sensitive information.
According to reports, Waltz appeared to be communicating with other high-ranking officials, including Vice President JD Vance, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, using the TM Signal app. This has raised eyebrows among experts, who have warned that the archiving feature in the app undermines the end-to-end encryption that makes the actual Signal communication app secure and private.
The controversy surrounding Waltz's use of TM Signal began to surface after a report by 404 Media and independent journalist Micah Lee revealed that the app had been breached by a hacker. NBC News later reported on Monday that it had reviewed evidence of an additional breach, further fueling concerns about the security of the app.
TeleMessage, the company behind the TM Signal app, has suspended all services as it investigates reports of at least one breach. The company's parent firm, Smarsh, released a statement saying that it was investigating a potential security incident and had taken steps to contain it. However, experts have raised concerns about the legitimacy of TeleMessage's claims, suggesting that the app may not be as secure as claimed.
The scandal has also raised questions about the use of TeleMessage apps by other government officials and agencies. Leaked data reportedly from TM Signal indicates that multiple US Customs and Border Protection agents may be using the Signal look-alike. When asked about the breach and whether CBP officers use TM Signal, the agency told WIRED, “We're looking into this.”
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the need for stricter security protocols in government communication apps. Experts have warned that the misuse of sensitive information can have serious consequences for national security, and that agencies must take steps to ensure that they are using secure and trusted communication tools.
In response to the scandal, Smarsh removed all content from its website on Saturday and took down its archiving service on Sunday. The company has promised to provide updates as it investigates the incident, but many experts remain skeptical about its ability to contain the breach.
The TeleMessage scandal is a stark reminder of the importance of security and privacy in government communication apps. As national security becomes increasingly dependent on technology, agencies must prioritize the use of secure and trusted tools to protect sensitive information. The incident serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and officials to review their communication protocols and ensure that they are using the latest security measures to safeguard national interests.
In conclusion, the TeleMessage scandal has exposed a web of deception and national security concerns that threaten the integrity of government communication apps. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that experts, policymakers, and officials work together to address the issue and prevent similar breaches in the future.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-TeleMessage-Scandal-A-Web-of-Deception-and-National-Security-Concerns-ehn.shtml
https://www.wired.com/story/signal-clone-used-by-mike-waltz-pauses-service-after-reports-it-got-hacked/
Published: Mon May 5 17:23:48 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
