Image suggests Mike Waltz utilizing a messaging app, similar to Signal, that incorporates message archiving functionality
In a twist of events, during last week's Cabinet meeting, former national security adviser Mike Waltz was snapped using a messaging app resembling Signal, about a month after he found himself in the hot seat for inadvertently including a reporter in a classified group chat.
The image, published by Reuters, shows the screen of Waltz's smartphone, displaying message threads labeled "JD Vance" and "Gabbard." The app, though reminiscent of Signal, appears to be an alternative one called TeleMessage. This app seems to employ some of Signal's encryption technology while keeping the option to archive messages for compliance purposes.
The photo reveals a prompt asking the user to "verify your TM SGNL PIN," a phrase eerily similar to what can be found on TeleMessage's website. A search by NBC News did not turn up any other apps using that terminology.
On the following day, President Trump announced Waltz's nomination as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, following his departure from the national security adviser role.
This image fuels growing worries about the communication methods employed by Waltz and other members of Trump's inner circle, particularly concerning the discussion of classified or sensitive information. Waltz's apparent use of the app was initially reported by 404 Media.
Though Signal is revered by cybersecurity experts, government protocols dictate the use of specific systems and procedures for transmitting sensitive information and messages. Officials are expected to rely on intranet systems, which are mostly isolated from the broader digital world, to prevent data breaches due to physical theft or hacking of mobile devices.
Despite the lack of explicit protocols for using apps like TeleMessage, the focus has predominantly been on the improper use of Signal by senior administration officials, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to security protocols in government communications. Any official use of encrypted messaging apps must comply with federal security standards and policies to safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Additional Insights:The use of Signal by senior Trump administration officials, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been a subject of debate due to its potential violation of government security protocols. TM SGNL, or TeleMessage, does not appear to be an officially endorsed app by the federal government and may not be part of any official protocols. Instead, the importance lies in adhering to standard security protocols for government communications, which usually involve the use of approved, secure channels.
- The app used by Mike Waltz, though it appears similar to Signal, is an alternative called TeleMessage, which seems to incorporate some Signal encryption technology but also allows for message archiving.
- The image of Waltz's smartphone, published by Reuters, showcases a prompt asking the user to "verify your TM SGNL PIN," a phrase echoing what can be found on TeleMessage's website.
- The focus on Waltz's apparent use of TeleMessage has heightened concerns about communication methods used by senior members of the Trump administration, especially with regards to discussions involving classified or sensitive information.
- Government protocols typically dictate the use of specific systems and intranet channels for transmitting sensitive information and messages to prevent data breaches, and the use of apps like TeleMessage, though unspecified by protocols, must comply with federal security standards and policies to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
