Private Data of Top Security Advisers to US President Donald Trump Accessible Online
Security Slip-Ups Continue to Plague Trump Administration
In the latest incident of security breaches, German news magazine Der Spiegel has reported that private data of top security advisers to US President Donald Trump can be accessed online. This revelation comes as yet another embarrassing blow to the Trump administration, which has faced numerous similar incidents in the past.
Sensitive Information Exposed
According to Der Spiegel, cell phone numbers, email addresses, and in some cases, passwords of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth can be found via commercial data-search services and hacked data dumped online. The phone numbers and email addresses, mostly current, were used for various purposes such as Instagram and LinkedIn profiles, cloud-storage service Dropbox, and apps that track a user’s location.
Social Media Links Create Security Risks
The Gabbard and Waltz numbers were reportedly linked to accounts on messaging services WhatsApp and Signal, leaving them exposed to having spyware installed on their devices. This is a significant concern, as it is possible that foreign agents may have been monitoring these accounts, including a recent Signal group chat on top-secret US plans for air strikes on Yemen’s Huthi rebels on March 15.
Journalist Inadvertently Included in Top-Secret Chat
In an embarrassing turn of events, Waltz inadvertently included a journalist, The Atlantic magazine’s Jeffrey Goldberg, in the chat. The magazine has since published details of the conversation.
Administration Response
Der Spiegel reported that the three officials had not responded to its requests for comment. The National Security Council, however, stated that the Waltz accounts and passwords referenced by the German magazine had all been changed in 2019.
Conclusion
The latest security breach highlights the ongoing concerns about the Trump administration’s handling of sensitive information. With the increasing reliance on digital communication, it is crucial that individuals and organizations take necessary steps to protect their online presence and ensure the security of their data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What information was exposed?
A: Cell phone numbers, email addresses, and in some cases, passwords of top security advisers to US President Donald Trump.
Q: Who are the affected officials?
A: National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Q: How did the information become public?
A: The information was reported by German news magazine Der Spiegel, which found the data via commercial data-search services and hacked data dumped online.
Q: What is the response of the administration?
A: The National Security Council has stated that the Waltz accounts and passwords referenced by the German magazine had all been changed in 2019. The affected officials have not responded to requests for comment.