TeleMessage, the Signal-esque App Used by the Trump Administration, Has Been Hacked
In a shocking revelation, it has been confirmed that TeleMessage, an instant communications app used by some US Government officials, has been hacked. According to a report from 404 Media, a hacker broke into the platform and stole private messages, which were then shared with the publication, allowing it to confirm the authenticity of at least some parts of the stolen archives.
The Rise of TeleMessage
TeleMessage gained media attention in May 2025 when it was revealed that Mike Waltz, former US National Security Advisor, was using an unofficial version of Signal called "TM SGNL," created by TeleMessage. This revelation highlighted the app's unique features and its use among high-ranking government officials.
What is TeleMessage?
TeleMessage is a modified version of the popular messaging app Signal, developed by an Israeli company described as "obscure" by Reuters. The app is built as both an enterprise messaging and archiving platform for SMS, MMS, voice calls, and messages from apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, and Signal. The archiving feature is used for regulatory compliance and eDiscovery purposes.
The Hack
The hacker, who has not been publicly identified, accessed the TeleMessage app without authorization, stealing private messages and sharing them with 404 Media. However, according to a statement from the publication, the hacker did not steal any messages from Waltz or anyone else in the Trump administration.
Consequences and Questions
The hack has raised several questions about security protocols and the use of unofficial Signal versions among government officials. The US Government and TeleMessage have yet to comment on the incident, leaving many wondering how the hacker accessed the information and whether any zero-day vulnerability was exploited or if malware was deployed.
Zero-Day Vulnerability and Malware
The investigation into the hack is ongoing, with several questions still unanswered. The use of a zero-day vulnerability or the deployment of malware in the process remain unknown. The lack of transparency has raised concerns about the security of sensitive information stored on TeleMessage.
The Significance of Signal
The incident highlights the importance of using official Signal versions and the risks associated with unofficial apps like "TM SGNL." According to a spokesperson for Signal, the company cannot guarantee the privacy or security properties of unofficial versions of their app.
Conclusion
The TeleMessage hack serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information. As the use of messaging apps continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize security and transparency to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.