Service correspondence breach: data of over 60 American officials, including a former Trump adviser, leaked online
A cyber security warning — this is how the recent news of a large-scale data leak resulting from a hacker attack on the TeleMessage platform can be characterized. Depending on the sources and the developments in the field of information security, this incident has called into question the level of protection of private communication channels used by U.S. government officials, particularly those who previously worked in Donald Trump's team. On Monday, according to sources in journalism confirmed by Reuters, the system was compromised roughly at the beginning of the week in an attack targeting the TeleMessage platform. This service is used by many high-ranking officials in the U.S. for exchanging confidential messages. During the cyberattack, the attacker gained access to a large volume of correspondence, including personal messages from former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Wolff, as well as over 60 other government and law enforcement officials. Sources indicate that the leak involved officials from various levels, including customs officers, diplomatic representatives, White House staff, and Secret Service agents. The materials exposed in the leak cover correspondence from May 4th. It is important to note that at first glance, the documents did not contain classified military or strategic secret information; however, they easily revealed contact details of the participants in the exchanges. Administration response: The White House officially confirmed the incident, stating that they are aware of the TeleMessage breach. However, details regarding how this platform was used within the administration and the extent of its security measures remain unknown. Official representatives emphasized that their specialists are currently analyzing the situation and working to prevent further incidents. This event raises concerns about the security of private communication channels for government officials. It is known that previously, National Security Adviser Michael Wolff—former Trump administration staff—was under scrutiny for using unsecured communication means. In particular, in May, his name again came into focus following a scandal involving the addition of a journalist to a private Signal messenger chat, where military operations in Yemen were discussed. After these events, it became known that Wolff and his team actively used insecure communication channels for planning and discussing strategic issues, leaving the door open for potential leaks or abuse of security protocols. This incident serves as a signal for authorities and relevant agencies to enhance the security of official communications to prevent further disclosure of confidential information and to ensure the safety of government and private data in an era of active cyber threats.