A cybersecurity breach involving a messaging app used by former Trump adviser Mike Waltz has exposed communications from over 60 US government officials—far more than initially reported—including Secret Service agents and White House staffers. 🚨
The leaked data from TeleMessage, analyzed by Reuters, revealed metadata from disaster responders, diplomats, and even a group chat titled "POTUS | ROME-VATICAN | PRESS GC" discussing high-level travel logistics. While no sensitive policy talks were found, cybersecurity experts warn that metadata alone (who messaged whom, when, and where) could aid foreign spies. 🕵️♂️
This follows Waltz’s 2021 blunder where he accidentally added a journalist to a Signal chat about "live air strikes in Yemen"—a moment that went viral and highlighted security risks in top-tier gov comms. 📱💥
Jake Williams, a former NSA specialist, told Reuters: "Even without message content, this is a goldmine for intelligence agencies." Most affected officials either didn’t comment or referred inquiries to their agencies.
Reference(s):
Breach of app used by Trump aide exposed more govt data than estimated
cgtn.com