Pentagon Warns: Russian Hackers Targeting Signal

The Pentagon has warned government officials that Signal, a secure messaging app, is being targeted by Russian hackers in coordinated cyberattacks.

Security Flaw in Signal App

Adding a journalist to a group chat on Signal discussing military strikes isn’t the only risk for leaking sensitive information. NPR reported on Tuesday that days after a national security mishap by the Trump administration, the Pentagon issued a warning against using the messaging app due to a phishing vulnerability.

Russian Hackers Targeting Signal

An email circulated within the department, obtained by NPR, states, “A vulnerability has been identified in the Signal messaging app. Russian professional hacking groups are exploiting Signal’s ‘linked devices’ feature to spy on encrypted conversations.” According to NPR, the memo highlights that these Russian hacker groups are specifically targeting Signal to monitor individuals of interest.

Caution Advised for Signal Users

A Signal spokesperson told NPR that the memo does not pertain to Signal’s security itself but to phishing attacks on the platform. Therefore, if you use the app, be extra vigilant about attempts to deceive you into linking devices to your account. Alternatively, consider using other communication channels.

Pentagon Scandal

This Pentagon directive follows a scandal that, in earlier times, would have ended the careers of many senior officials. The Atlantic reported on Monday that a group of Trump administration national security officials accidentally included editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat about military strikes in Yemen.

The discussion involved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. They talked about planning, targets, and weaponry for bombing Houthi sites in Yemen.

It’s worth noting that a 2023 Defense Department memo prohibited the use of mobile apps for any “controlled unclassified information.” NPR points out that military planning is far more sensitive than this, and it does not even cover the accidental inclusion of a journalist in the conversation.