Former National Security Advisor Michael Waltz raised alarms when he joined last Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting via the messaging app TeleMessage. Critics are raising serious questions about the app’s security features following this incident. On Monday, TeleMessage’s parent company announced a “suspension of hostilities.” This decision followed the revelation of a major hack that would endanger the personal data of all users.
The case has gained nationwide attention in part due to Waltz’s previous use of the app. This is particularly remarkable given that former President Donald Trump had previously warned government officials not to use Signal, another messaging platform famous for its end-to-end encryption. The discouragement ignited by a recent leak scandal that engulfed Waltz. He inadvertently invited a journalist to a sensitive back-and-forth over military maneuvers.
In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump stated, “I think we learned: Maybe don’t use Signal, okay?” This comment has ever after shaped the messaging practices under his administration.
Unlike Signal, messages sent using TeleMessage can be accessed after they’re sent because they are stored on a separate server. This new potential vulnerability would deeply undermine the security and confidentiality of communications between officials, and therefore raise grave questions about.
In the wake of this reported hack, a Smarsh spokesperson stated, “We’ve disabled all TeleMessage services temporarily as [a] precaution.” They reassured us that all other products and services by Smarsh are continuing to function without any disruptions. The spokesperson noted that “TeleMessage is investigating a potential security incident.”
Waltz has come under fire this week for his secure military communications messaging app. Yet, Donald Trump has chosen him to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Trump’s announcement of this nomination came on Thursday, further elevating Waltz’s profile in the political arena.
As news of the suspension began circulating, the White House retreated to stonewall mode. It did not answer immediately to CNBC’s inquiries for comment on what TeleMessage’s sudden service freeze means.
Signal, for its part, has warned users of the privacy dangers posed by third-party versions of its app. A spokesperson mentioned, “We cannot guarantee the privacy or security properties of unofficial versions of Signal.” This statement further illustrates the critical need for secure communications, particularly among government officials.