🇺🇸 HACK OF GOVT MESSAGING APP REPORTEDLY WORSE THAN EXPECTED — 60+ OFFICIALS CAUGHT IN BREACH
Turns out the hack that hit Mike Waltz’s messaging app wasn’t just a one-man disaster — over 60 U.S. government officials had their messages or data compromised, according to a new… https://t.co/HgigBHobR7 pic.twitter.com/SJHDDIIXc8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 21, 2025
The breach of TeleMessage, a government-used messaging app, has turned out to be far worse than initially reported. What was first thought to be a targeted hack affecting a single official has now been revealed to have compromised over 60 U.S. government personnel, including members of FEMA, the Secret Service, customs agents, and even a White House staffer. The scale of the leak raises serious concerns about national security and the vulnerability of government communication systems.
The leaked data, obtained by Distributed Denial of Secrets, includes message logs, contact details, and metadata that could provide foreign intelligence agencies with valuable insights into U.S. operations. While no classified information has surfaced, cybersecurity experts warn that metadata alone who was talking, when, and about what can be weaponized. The ability to map out communication patterns between officials is a goldmine for adversaries looking to track government movements and decision-making.
The failure of TeleMessage is a glaring example of poor security practices. The app, which was designed to archive encrypted messages for compliance purposes, appears to have stored sensitive data in a way that made it vulnerable to exploitation. The breach has led to the complete shutdown of TeleMessage services, with its parent company, Smarsh, scrambling to contain the fallout. The company has wiped its website, removing all references to its products, a move that suggests deeper concerns about its security infrastructure.
The implications of this breach extend beyond the immediate exposure of government officials. Foreign intelligence agencies, cybercriminals, and even private entities could use the leaked data to track officials, predict policy decisions, and manipulate diplomatic engagements. The incident has reignited calls for a government-wide secure messaging platform, with lawmakers demanding stricter cybersecurity measures for official communications.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/signal-telemessage-trump-officials-hack