**Someone Reportedly Hacked the Messaging App Mike Waltz Was Seen Using**
A shocking report has emerged that a hacker was able to access sensitive customer data from TeleMessage, an Israeli company that makes modified versions of popular messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and others. The hack, which reportedly took around 15-20 minutes to complete, included direct messages and personal information from users who had chosen to archive their conversations on the app.
Former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was seen using TeleMessage during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, sparking concerns about the security of high-ranking officials' communications. The hack has reignited worries that top officials may be putting sensitive information at risk by using an app vulnerable to phishing attacks like Signal.
**The Hack: How Did It Happen?**
According to 404 Media, the hacker accessed customer data from TeleMessage without accessing Waltz's own messages, but instead obtained names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Customs and Border Protection officials, as well as information about some financial institutions. The hack is believed to have been carried out by someone who was "just curious how secure it was," although the identity of the hacker remains unknown.
**TeleMessage's Claims: A Misleading Defense?**
In a YouTube video that has since been made private, TeleMessage claimed to maintain the security and end-to-end encryption of Signal when communicating with other users. However, experts argue that by sending messages to be stored, TeleMessage is adding an extra layer of risk that could lead to incorrect storage or exposure of sensitive information.
**The Consequences: What Does This Mean for National Security?**
The hack highlights the need for greater transparency and security measures in messaging apps used by government officials. With top officials like Waltz using an app vulnerable to phishing attacks, there is a growing concern about the potential risks to national security.
TeleMessage has contracts with government agencies, including the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may be using the app to comply with rules about document retention. However, this does not necessarily make it a secure option for sensitive communications.
**What's Next?**
The incident raises questions about how TeleMessage plans to improve its security measures in response to this breach. The company has yet to comment publicly on the hack, but experts urge users to be cautious when using messaging apps that are vulnerable to phishing attacks.
In the meantime, officials like Waltz must take steps to ensure that their communications remain secure and confidential. With the increasing reliance on technology in government and business, it's more important than ever to prioritize security and transparency.