Defense Minister Higseth had an internet connection, which exceeded the Pentagon security protocols that were prepared in his office to Use the signal messaging app On a personal computer, I told two people familiar with the Associated Press.
The presence of an unprecedented internet connection is the latest revelation Using Higseth for the non -classified application The possibility that sensitive defense information has been at risk of penetration or possible monitoring.
It is known as the “dirty” internet line by the IT industry, and it is directly connected to the general internet, as the user information and sites that have been accessed do not contain filters or safety protocols that are kept by the guaranteed Pentagon Etisalat.
Other Pentagon offices used it, especially if there is a need to monitor information or websites that will be banned in another way.
But the biggest advantage of using such a line is that the user will not appear as one of the many IP addresses for the Ministry of Defense – the user was basically convinced, according to a senior official in the United States, familiar with the security of the military network.
But users can display piracy and monitoring. The official said the “dirty” line – just like any public internet connection – may also lack compliance with the preservation of the books required under federal law.
The three spoke on the condition that his identity is not disclosed to discuss a sensitive issue.
A “dirty” internet line to use the signal
The two persons familiar with the line said that Higseth was established in his office Use the signal applicationWhich has become a flash point after the revelation, which was published by sensitive details about Military air strike in two talks Each of them had more than ten people. One chat included his wife and brother, while others included the best national security officials of President Donald Trump.
When asked about the use of Higseth to refer in his office, which was informed of the first Washington Post, Pentagon’s chief spokesman Sean Parnell said “the use of communications and channel systems for the Minister of Communications.”
“However, we can confirm that the secretary has never been used and is not currently using a signal on the government computer,” Parnell said in a statement.
It is the latest revelation to destabilize the Pentagon. In addition to facing questions from both Democrats and Republicans about his dealings with sensitive information, HegSeth Rejection or transfer of many close advisersTightly narrow his inner circle and add to the disturbances yet The shooting of many major military officers In recent months.
Trump and other administration officials gave Higseth their full support. They blamed the employees who say they were broken because of the leakage of information to journalists, with Trump’s saying this week: “It is just fake news. They offer stories.”
“I have 100 % confidence in the secretary,” JD Vance Vice President told reporters on Wednesday about Higseth. “I know that the president is doing, and in fact, the entire team does.”
Insurance methods to communicate in the Pentagon
The Pentagon has a variety of safe roads that enable Higseth and other military leaders to communicate:
- The unparalleled internet protocol network can handle the lowest sensitive information levels. It allows some access to the Internet, but protection is a wall and has levels of cybersecurity, which is not done by a “dirty” line. He cannot deal with the name called it is confidential.
- The network of safe internet protocol for information classified is used at the secret level.
- The joint communication system around the world is the highest and confidential of the information cabin, which is some of the highest levels of secrecy, also known as TS/Sci.
HegSeth initially said to the background of his office where he can reach Wi-Fi to use his devices, then one of the familiar people said, then asked for a line on his office where he can use his computer.
This sometimes means having three computers around his desk – PC; Another for classified information; And the third for sensitive defense information, both people said.
Since the electronic devices are vulnerable to spying, there is no one assumed that there is anyone within the office of the Minister of Defense. The important offices in the Pentagon contain a wardrobe or a drawer where employees or visitors must leave devices.
Reference repercussions
The sign is commercially available It is not allowed to use sensitive or classified information. It is encrypted, but it can be penetrated.
Although Signal provides more protection than standard text messages, it is not a guarantee of safety. The Tersa Payeton, the White House chief information official during the era of President George W. Bush and the CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a cybersecurity security company, said officials should ensure that their devices and contacts are safe.
Payetton said that the communications of senior government officials had an interesting interest on opponents such as Russia or China.
Related The days of the Higseth House as the head of the defense numbered
The National Security Agency issued a warning earlier this year about fears that foreign infiltrators can try to target government officials using the signal. Google also advised caution against the alignment infiltrators in Russia who target signal users.
Using HegSeth signal is Under investigation Through the Inspector General of Defense of the Ministry of Defense at the request of leadership from the two parties in the Armed Services Committee in the Senate.
HegSeth withdrew information related to the strike on Houthi militants in Yemen last month from a safe communication channel used by the US Central Command. He strongly denied that he published “war plans” or secret information.
But the information published by HegSeth in the chats – precise launch times and bombs drop times – were classified and the service members were at risk. Air raid information was sent before the pilots were launched or safely returned from their mission.