The Pentagon Warns Government Officials: Signal Messaging App Targeted by Russian Hackers
In a shocking revelation, the Pentagon has issued a warning to government officials about the vulnerabilities of the popular messaging app Signal. The department-wide email, obtained by NPR, highlights a phishing vulnerability in the Signal messenger application that allows Russian professional hacking groups to spy on encrypted conversations.
The memo states that these malicious actors are exploiting Signal's "linked devices" features to compromise sensitive information. This is particularly concerning for government officials who rely on the app for secure communication. The warning comes days after a scandal involving Trump administration national security officials inadvertently sharing classified information via a private group chat on Signal.
The Scandal: High-Profile Officials Caught Unaware
On Monday, The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported that a group of high-profile Trump administration national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, included him in a Signal group chat discussing military strikes in Yemen.
The conversation was riddled with insensitive comments and revealing information about the administration's plans. Hegseth wrote, "I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It's PATHETIC." He also stated, "Nobody knows who the Houthis are — which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded." The group chat was shared with Goldberg without his knowledge or consent.
The White House confirmed the authenticity of the conversation, and Hegseth denied participating in it after the fact. However, the incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability from those in power.
The Fallout: A New Era of Secrecy
The fallout from this scandal is still unfolding. On Tuesday, retired US Navy captain and current US Senator Mark Kelly grilled Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe on Capitol Hill about their roles in the incident.
The Pentagon directive serves as a reminder that the lines between secrecy and transparency are becoming increasingly blurred in government circles. As the warning highlights, even seemingly secure messaging apps can be vulnerable to phishing attacks if users are not vigilant.
Protecting Yourself: What You Need to Know
If you're using Signal for sensitive communication, it's essential to take precautions to avoid falling victim to phishing attacks.
The Signal spokesperson emphasized that the memo is not about a security vulnerability in the app itself but rather about being cautious of attempts to trick users into linking devices to their account. Users can protect themselves by communicating through different channels and verifying any requests for information or login credentials.