TeleMessage Hack Exposes Security Flaws in Government Communications
A deep dive into the breach of the messaging app used by Trump officials, its implications for national security, and the need for secure communication protocols
Written with a commitment to truthfulness and originality
On May 5, 2025, TeleMessage, a messaging app utilized by high-ranking Trump administration officials, including former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, announced the temporary suspension of its services following a reported cyberattack. This breach has ignited significant concerns about the security of sensitive government communications and the risks associated with using unofficial messaging platforms. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the TeleMessage hack, detailing the app’s functionality, the nature of the breach, Waltz’s involvement, the broader security implications, and the reactions from stakeholders, while exploring the potential impact on future government communication practices.
Understanding TeleMessage
TeleMessage is an Israel-founded messaging platform, operated by Oregon-based Smarsh, that modifies the popular encrypted messaging app Signal to include message archiving capabilities ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/05/signal-telemessage-hack-trump-waltz.html)). This feature is designed to meet compliance requirements, such as the Presidential Records Act, which mandates the preservation of official government communications. Unlike Signal, which offers robust end-to-end encryption to ensure only the sender and recipient can access messages, TeleMessage’s archiving functionality may store messages in a way that could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, raising questions about its security for sensitive government use ([404 Media](https://www.404media.co/the-signal-clone-the-trump-admin-uses-was-hacked/)).
Details of the Hack
On May 5, 2025, tech outlet 404 Media reported that a hacker exploited a vulnerability in TeleMessage’s back-end infrastructure, gaining access to some users’ messages across its modified versions of Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, and WeChat ([404 Media](https://www.404media.co/the-signal-clone-the-trump-admin-uses-was-hacked/)). The hacker claimed the breach took approximately 15-20 minutes, highlighting the ease of the attack ([Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/telemessage-app-mike-waltz-hacked-1235331511/)). While 404 Media verified some of the stolen material, they noted that the messages of Mike Waltz and other Trump administration officials were not among those accessed. In response, Smarsh suspended TeleMessage’s services “out of an abundance of caution” and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to investigate the incident ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/tech-site-404-media-says-signal-like-app-used-by-trump-adviser-was-hacked-2025-05-05/)).
Mike Waltz’s Role and Controversy
Mike Waltz, who served as Trump’s National Security Adviser until his ouster on April 30, 2025, was at the center of the TeleMessage controversy. A Reuters photograph captured Waltz using the app, labeled “TM SGNL,” during a Cabinet meeting on April 30, 2025 ([The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/02/trump-cabinet-signal-chat-app)). This incident followed a prior scandal in March 2025, where Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal group chat discussing U.S. military airstrikes in Yemen ([CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/01/trump-waltz-signal-photo-cabinet.html)). The exposure of Waltz’s use of TeleMessage, a less secure alternative to Signal, intensified scrutiny over his communication practices. Following his removal, Waltz was nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with Marco Rubio appointed as interim National Security Adviser ([The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/05/mike-waltz-app-trump)).
Security Implications
The TeleMessage hack underscores a critical tension between security and compliance in government communications. Signal’s end-to-end encryption ensures privacy, but TeleMessage’s archiving feature, designed to comply with federal records-retention laws like the Presidential Records Act, may introduce vulnerabilities by storing decrypted messages ([Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/what-telemessage-mike-waltz-using-app-2067151)). The ease of the hack, reportedly executed in under 30 minutes, highlights the risks of using modified or unofficial apps for sensitive discussions ([The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/404-media-trump-waltz-hacked-b2744954.html)). Experts like Thomas Richards from Black Duck have described the breach as “alarming,” noting its potential to compromise sensitive information ([Black Duck](https://www.blackduck.com/)). The incident also raises questions about compliance with transparency laws, as archived messages could be accessed improperly.
Stakeholder Reactions
Signal issued a statement distancing itself from TeleMessage, stating, “We cannot guarantee the privacy or security properties of unofficial versions of Signal” ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/tech-site-404-media-says-signal-like-app-used-by-trump-adviser-was-hacked-2025-05-05/)). This reinforces the risks of using third-party modifications of secure apps. Smarsh, TeleMessage’s operator, has not provided detailed comments beyond confirming the investigation and service suspension. Cybersecurity experts and media outlets have called for stricter protocols, with some, like Micah Lee, advocating for government adoption of verified, secure tools ([Micah Lee](https://micahflee.com/tm-sgnl-the-obscure-unofficial-signal-app-mike-waltz-uses-to-text-with-trump-officials/)). The White House and Waltz have not publicly responded to the hack, leaving many questions unanswered.
Comparison of TeleMessage and Signal
| Feature | TeleMessage | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Modified, potentially compromised by archiving | End-to-end encryption |
| Archiving | Designed to archive messages for compliance | No archiving feature |
| Security Status | Hacked in 2025, services suspended | No reported breaches |
| Government Use | Used by Trump officials, controversial | Used but discouraged after scandals |
Potential Impacts
| Stakeholder | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Trump Administration | Increased scrutiny, potential policy changes for communication tools |
| TeleMessage/Smarsh | Reputation damage, ongoing investigation, service suspension |
| Government Security | Risk of compromised sensitive data, push for secure platforms |
| Public Trust | Erosion of confidence in government communication security |
Conclusion
The TeleMessage hack represents a critical wake-up call for the U.S. government, exposing vulnerabilities in the use of unofficial messaging platforms for sensitive communications. While the breach did not reportedly compromise Waltz’s messages, the ease of the attack and the app’s design flaws highlight the need for robust, secure, and compliant communication tools. The incident, coupled with Waltz’s prior Signal-related controversy, may catalyze reforms in how government officials handle sensitive information. As Smarsh investigates and the government reassesses its protocols, the TeleMessage hack serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security, compliance, and operational needs in the digital age.
Source Previews
The Guardian: TeleMessage app used by Mike Waltz suspends service
Reports the suspension of TeleMessage services following a hack exposing sensitive messages.
CNBC: Messaging app used by Trump official hacked
Details the hack and confirms Waltz’s messages were not accessed.
Reuters: 404 Media reports Signal-like app hack
Confirms the vulnerability exploited in the TeleMessage breach.
404 Media: Signal clone used by Trump admin hacked
First to report the hack, verifying stolen data and hacker claims.
Rolling Stone: TeleMessage app Mike Waltz used hacked
Notes the ease of the hack and its implications for government security.
Newsweek: What is TeleMessage? Waltz’s app explained
Explains TeleMessage’s purpose and compliance features.
The Independent: Signal-like app used by Waltz hacked
Highlights security risks of unofficial communication platforms.
Micah Lee: Unofficial Signal app used by Trump officials
Analyzes the technical risks of TeleMessage’s design.
