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3w ago

TeleMessage Suspends Services After Breach of U.S. Government Messaging Data

The hack exposed critical security flaws in the Signal clone used for archiving government communications, prompting investigations and calls for accountability.

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National Security Advisor Michael Waltz looks at his phone
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U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz walks to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

Overview

  • TeleMessage, an unofficial Signal clone used by U.S. officials, has suspended all services following a confirmed cybersecurity breach.
  • Hackers accessed archived data, including messages and credentials tied to government agencies like CBP and private firms like Coinbase, but not high-level cabinet officials' communications.
  • The breach revealed that TeleMessage’s archived messages are not end-to-end encrypted, highlighting vulnerabilities in compliance-driven communication tools.
  • Senator Ron Wyden has formally requested a Justice Department investigation into potential False Claims Act violations and national security risks linked to TeleMessage.
  • TeleMessage’s parent company, Smarsh, has engaged an external cybersecurity firm to investigate, while legislative and judicial inquiries continue.