Hacker who breached communications app used by Trump aide stole data from across US government

A serious cybersecurity breach has shaken U.S. federal agencies. A hacker infiltrated TeleMessage, a secure messaging app used by many government officials, including a former Trump aide. This breach exposed sensitive communications from agencies like FEMA, CBP, the Secret Service, and even a White House staffer.

Hacker Gains Access to High-Level Government Chats

The hacker accessed usernames, passwords, and personal chats from more than 60 federal employees. The compromised data included travel plans, agency logistics, and diplomatic movements. These details, if exploited, could seriously impact national security.

Unlike complex cyberattacks that take months, this intrusion took only 20 minutes. The hacker found a public Java heap dump file that exposed critical information. It contained user credentials and chat logs in plain text.

This flaw gave the hacker direct access to messages. The app stored everything in readable format, despite claims of encryption. Cybersecurity experts called this design “reckless” for government use.

Signal Clone’s Weakness Leads to Data Leak

TeleMessage offered a corporate version of Signal, a popular encrypted messaging app. However, its modified version — called TM SGNL — did not offer the same protections.

While Signal encrypts chats end-to-end and deletes them after delivery, TM SGNL did the opposite. It archived messages in readable format, making it vulnerable to attacks. The breach showed that the app’s encryption was essentially meaningless.

A simple vulnerability allowed an outside hacker to bypass security within minutes. The platform’s poor design left critical federal data exposed and unprotected.

Former Trump Aide Tied to Breached App

One high-profile user of the app was Rep. Mike Waltz, a former Trump National Security Adviser. Waltz has supported the use of secure messaging tools for government communications.

This isn’t the first time his messaging practices raised concerns. In 2021, he forwarded sensitive House Armed Services Committee discussions using Signal. That incident led to public scrutiny of his communications behavior.

Now, the use of an insecure third-party app linked to him adds fuel to the debate about unofficial tools in government.

Government Agencies Launch Investigations

After the breach surfaced, FEMA and CBP began internal reviews. They are trying to measure the full impact of the exposed information. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urged agencies to stop using the app immediately.

TeleMessage has shut down its services temporarily and is working with federal investigators. Though the company has not shared full details, reports suggest that federal personnel may have used the platform without a complete understanding of its flaws.

Officials are now concerned about what the hacker accessed — especially since the messages involved security logistics and travel routes.

National Security Risks Escalate

This breach raises deeper questions about the federal approach to digital communication. Agencies trusted an insecure app with mission-critical messages. That trust has now been broken.

Cybersecurity professionals warn that hackers could use this data for blackmail, phishing, or even espionage. Some of the leaked content included plans for diplomatic visits and tactical operations.

One former NSA consultant said, “Just because something looks like Signal doesn’t mean it acts like Signal.” He added, “In this case, it acted more like a digital notepad left open.”

Lawmakers Call for Stronger Oversight

Congress may soon respond with new rules. Lawmakers are considering hearings to investigate the use of third-party apps in federal work. They also plan to push for stricter standards and vetting before government staff can adopt digital tools.

Many believe that if agencies want to avoid such breaches in the future, they must approve and monitor all communications platforms more strictly.

Experts say the breach is a wake-up call for digital security. Even well-intentioned tools can become liabilities if they aren’t properly tested and secured.

Lessons from the TeleMessage Breach

This incident shows how quickly a single vulnerability can compromise federal communications. The hacker didn’t need advanced tools — only access to a misconfigured file.

What makes this breach worse is the fact that the app archived messages. That decision — likely made for convenience — turned a secure app into an open book.

The government must now consider how many other apps like this are in use. Without strict oversight, more breaches like this could happen.

Final Thoughts

This was more than a cyberattack. It was a failure of design, decision-making, and digital oversight. At a time when foreign threats are constant, using apps with weak security can cause real harm.

As investigations continue, one fact remains clear: security depends not just on technology, but on smart policies and strict enforcement.