Messaging app used by Trump adviser suspends services after hack

TeleMessage, an unofficial version of Signal, gained attention after Mike Waltz used it during a cabinet meeting, with controversy escalating when he created a Signal group for real-time updates on US military actions, accidentally adding a journalist

Smarsh, the company behind the TeleMessage app used by former US national security adviser Mike Waltz, has suspended its services following a reported hack that exposed some of its users' messages. In an official email, the Portland-based firm announced it was investigating a potential security breach and halting all operations "out of an abundance of caution."

TeleMessage, an unofficial version of the popular encrypted messaging app Signal, gained attention recently after a photograph showed Waltz using it during a cabinet meeting. The controversy surrounding Waltz intensified when it was revealed that he had created a Signal group to share real-time updates on US military actions in Yemen. The group gained particular notoriety after Waltz or someone using his account accidentally added a well-known journalist to the chat.

Security breach raises concerns over encrypted app safety

Reports emerged on May 4 (Sunday) that a hacker had accessed TeleMessage’s backend systems, intercepting several messages from users, further fuelling concerns over the app’s security. Tech news site 404 Media reported receiving stolen materials from the hacker, which were independently verified by the publication.