Pentagon Official's Unsecured Internet Line Sparks Concerns Over Security Breaches

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been found to have an unsecured internet connection set up in his office, which bypasses the Pentagon's security protocols, allowing him to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer. This revelation raises serious concerns about potential hacking and surveillance of sensitive defense information.

The Existence of an Unsecured Internet Line Raises Questions About Hegseth's Handling of Sensitive Information

A "dirty" internet line, also known as an unsecured connection, connects directly to the public internet where security filters and protocols are less stringent than those used by the Pentagon. This type of connection can expose users to hacking and surveillance risks. Additionally, it may lack recordkeeping compliance required by federal law.

Signal App: A Flashpoint in Hegseth's Use of Unsecured Internet Line

Hegseth had set up an unsecured internet line in his office to use the Signal app, which has become a flashpoint following revelations that he posted sensitive details about a military airstrike in two chats. One of the chats included his wife and brother, while the other included President Donald Trump's top national security officials.

Reactions from Pentagon Officials and Trump Administration

The news was first reported by The Washington Post, and chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell initially declined to comment on Hegseth's use of Signal. However, he later stated that the defense secretary had never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer.

Secure Ways to Communicate at the Pentagon

The Pentagon has a variety of secure ways for officials like Hegseth to communicate, including:

• The Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) handles the lowest levels of sensitive information.
• The Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) is used for secret-level classified information.
• The Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) is for top-secret and compartmentalized information, which falls under the highest level of secrecy.

Concerns Over Hegseth's Use of Signal

Hegseth initially had planned to access Wi-Fi in the back area of his office, but he requested a line at his desk where he could use his own computer. This meant that there were three computers around his desk: one for personal use, another for classified information, and a third for sensitive defense information.

Risks Associated with Signal App

Signal is a commercially available app that offers more protections than standard text messaging but is no guarantee of security. Officials must ensure their hardware and connections are secure to prevent hacking and surveillance. The communications of senior government officials, like Hegseth's, are of keen interest to adversaries like Russia or China.

Investigation Underway

The Defense Department's acting inspector general is currently investigating Hegseth's use of Signal in response to a request from the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The investigation raises questions about Hegseth's handling of sensitive information and potential breaches of security.