Pete Hegseth's Secret Internet Connection Raises Alarm at Pentagon

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been embroiled in controversy after reports emerged that he had an unsecured internet connection set up in his Pentagon office. The connection, known as a "dirty line," allowed Hegseth to bypass government security protocols and use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer.

According to two people familiar with the situation, told by the Associated Press (AP), Hegseth's internet line was not secured with the same level of protection as other Pentagon networks. This raises significant concerns about the potential for sensitive defense information to be compromised through hacking or surveillance.

The Double Network System

The Defense Department uses two different systems to connect its computers to the internet: SiprNet, which handles classified information, and NiprNet, which handles unclassified information. The fact that Hegseth was able to use a commercial internet line to bypass these filters is particularly alarming.

Sources told the AP that at times, there were three computers around Hegseth's desk: one for personal use, another for classified information, and a third for sensitive defense information. This setup poses a significant security risk, as electronic devices are vulnerable to spyware, and no one is supposed to have them inside the Defense Secretary's office.

The Pattern of Leaks

This latest reporting continues a pattern of leaks about Hegseth's use of Signal to text sensitive military information to a circle of family and friends. Earlier this week, the Washington Post reported that Hegseth had directed the installation of Signal on a desktop computer in his Pentagon office.

In 2016, when it was reported that Hillary Clinton used a private email server to conduct official business as Secretary of State, Hegseth told Fox News that such behavior would result in severe consequences. "Any security professional – military, government or otherwise – would be fired on the spot for this type of conduct, and criminally prosecuted," he said.

It appears that Hegseth's actions may not align with these expectations. The fact that he used a commercial internet line to connect to the Signal app on his personal computer raises serious questions about his commitment to national security and his ability to protect sensitive information.

Conclusion

The use of an unsecured internet connection by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has raised significant concerns about national security and the potential for hacking or surveillance. As a senior official in the Pentagon, Hegseth is entrusted with handling sensitive defense information, and his actions suggest that he may not be taking adequate measures to protect it.