The modified Signal app used by Mike Waltz was reportedly hacked
A hacker breached TeleMessage, an Israeli software company providing modified versions of Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram to the US government, exposing archived chats, contact details, and backend credentials. While messages from high-ranking officials like former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz weren’t accessed, the stolen data included names, phone numbers, and emails of Customs and Border Protection personnel. TeleMessage’s archived chats reportedly lacked end-to-end encryption, making them vulnerable. The company later wiped its website, which previously hosted app details and downloads.
Why It Matters
This breach highlights security risks in government-approved communication tools, especially as modified apps like TeleMessage’s Signal clone lack the same encryption protections as standard versions. The exposure of officials’ contact details could lead to phishing or social engineering attacks, while the incident further fuels scrutiny over secure messaging practices in sensitive government operations. The hack also raises concerns about third-party archiving services handling confidential communications, emphasizing the need for stricter security protocols.