Pentagon Warns Against Signal Use Amid Yemen Group Chat Incident
The Pentagon has issued a warning against using Signal due to vulnerabilities exposed by Russian hacking groups ahead of a significant incident where editor Jeffrey Goldberg joined a group chat about U.S. military operations in Yemen. The memo emphasizes the risks involving linked devices and encrypted communications, while White House Press Secretary Leavitt claims no classified information was discussed. An ongoing investigation is analyzing the situation further.
The Pentagon recently issued a warning regarding the use of Signal, highlighting potential threats from Russian hackers. This advisory was circulated just days before a significant incident was reported by The Atlantic, where its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, mistakenly joined a Signal group chat focused on U.S. military operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Noteworthy participants of this chat included Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance.
In the memo, the Pentagon explained that “Russian professional hacking groups are employing the ‘linked devices’ features to spy on encrypted conversations.” Signal enables users to access their accounts on various devices simultaneously by using a QR code to send an encryption key from the primary device. However, the Pentagon warned that hackers could exploit this feature by crafting phishing pages or QR codes, allowing unauthorized parties to view messages in real time, effectively compromising the supposed end-to-end encryption.
Another messaging application, Telegram, widely used in regions of conflict such as Russia and Ukraine, has also been targeted by hackers. A group affiliated with the Kremlin even offered a $5 million bounty for exploits on the app. Despite Signal’s defense of its security practices, it is clear that the platform may not suffice for secure communications regarding classified military operations, especially when employed in such contexts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has since been addressing concerns, asserting through posts on social media that no classified information was exchanged in the chat. An ongoing investigation is examining how a journalist ended up in a forum discussing sensitive topics. Critics have pointed out that Goldberg should have exited the chat once sensitive information began circulating; however, many argue that it was his duty as a journalist to expose such lapses in protocol.
In conclusion, the Pentagon’s warning against the use of Signal underscores significant vulnerabilities in using encrypted messaging applications for sensitive discussions. The recent incident involving Jeffrey Goldberg raises important questions about the protocols in place when it comes to safeguarding classified information. Moving forward, it is evident that relying on consumer-grade messaging apps for critical communications poses substantial risks, reinforcing the need for more secure and regulated means of communication for government officials.
Original Source: gizmodo.com
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