# Signal Clone Used by Waltz to Archive Messages Suspends Services After Reported Hack
In a shocking turn of events, Smarsh, the Oregon-based owner of TeleMessage, has suspended its services out of an abundance of caution following a reported security incident. The company's decision comes on the heels of a recent hack that exposed sensitive internal materials stored in TeleMessage, including contents tied to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
According to 404 Media, which first broke the news, a hacker was able to access sensitive information within 20 minutes of effort, sparking concerns about the security measures in place at TeleMessage. The report highlighted that the hack could have had far-reaching implications, given the sensitive nature of the materials involved.
TeleMessage is a modified version of encrypted messaging app Signal that's designed to securely store messages for archiving purposes. Last week, the service gained public attention after a Reuters photograph appeared to show then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz using the modified Signal clone during a cabinet meeting to chat with top officials, including Tulsi Gabbard and Marco Rubio.
Waltz's use of TeleMessage sparked intense scrutiny, particularly in light of reports that he had initially set messages to auto-delete after one week before later setting them to delete after four weeks. The exchange triggered a lawsuit arguing that the communication involved official agency communications that require full preservation. As a result, Waltz was ousted as national security advisor and nominated to serve as U.N. Ambassador just one day after the Reuters photo was taken.
The incident has raised important questions about government communication and data storage. Federal officials' encrypted communications fall under the Federal Records Act and other open-records laws, even if those discussions are highly sensitive and may never be retrieved publicly. The National Archives and Records Administration requires that encrypted electronic communications be transmitted to the agency for archiving in a decrypted form.
The White House has previously stated that Signal comes pre-installed on certain devices in government, but sources familiar with government mobile device policies have disputed this claim. It's also unclear how long Waltz and other officials may have been using TeleMessage.
Government interest in chat archiving services skyrocketed following the Signalgate scandal, which led to an increased scrutiny of encrypted communication apps like Signal. The Trump administration has stated that it will continue to comply with all applicable record-keeping laws, but the incident highlights the need for greater transparency and security measures in government communications.
As a result of the reported hack, TeleMessage has suspended its services, pending further investigation by Smarsh. The company's decision underscores the importance of prioritizing security and compliance when it comes to sensitive government information.
# Update: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that CBP immediately disabled TeleMessage as a precautionary measure following the reported hack. The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in government communication, particularly when it comes to encrypted messaging services.