A messaging app used by some members of the Trump administration and other US government employees has been hacked, exposing potentially sensitive information.
The Hack
According to a report, a hacker stole data from TeleMessage, an Israeli company that provides modified versions of popular messaging apps for government use. These modified versions allow for message archiving. The hack reportedly took only 15-20 minutes, with the hacker describing it as “not much effort at all.” The hacker’s identity remains unknown.
Data Breached
While the hacker didn’t target any specific individual, the stolen data includes information from various sources, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, as well as other financial institutions. A screenshot reveals access to a TeleMessage panel listing the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of hundreds of CBP employees. The sheer number of entries suggests a significant data breach affecting potentially hundreds of US government workers.
High-Profile User
Interestingly, Michael Waltz, the recently ousted national security advisor, was seen using TeleMessage during a Trump administration meeting. While the hacker didn’t specifically target Waltz’s messages, the incident highlights the vulnerability of the app used by high-ranking officials. Waltz recently made headlines for accidentally including a journalist in a sensitive group chat.
The Aftermath
The extent of the damage and the long-term consequences of this breach are still being assessed. The incident raises serious concerns about data security within government agencies.
