A modified version of the popular messaging app Signal, used by US government officials, has been hacked, exposing sensitive data including message contents and contact information. According to a report by 404 Media, the breach occurred on TeleMessage, an Israeli software company that offers customized versions of Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging apps to the US government.

The hacked data includes archived chat logs, which were not end-to-end encrypted, allowing the hacker to access message contents, government official contact information, and login credentials for the service's backend. Although the hacker did not obtain messages from high-ranking officials such as Mike Waltz, a former National Security Advisor, or other cabinet members, the stolen data includes names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Customs and Border Protection officials.

The security breach has raised concerns about the communication services used by government officials. This incident is not an isolated one; in March, Waltz inadvertently added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a Signal group chat discussing military strikes on Yemen. Similarly, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details about the strikes in a separate Signal chat that included his wife and "about a dozen" other people, according to The New York Times.

The use of modified messaging apps by government officials has been under scrutiny, with some experts questioning the security and privacy of these customized apps. TeleMessage's website, which previously contained details on its services and direct downloads for the archiving apps, has been taken down, further fueling concerns about the company's security practices.

The incident has also sparked debate about the use of Signal and other messaging apps by government officials. Donald Trump, in a recent statement, advised officials not to use Signal, citing security concerns. The investigation into Pete Hegseth's Signal group chats is ongoing, and this latest breach has added to the growing concerns about the security of communication services used by government officials.

The implications of this breach are far-reaching, highlighting the need for government officials to re-examine their communication practices and ensure that the apps they use are secure and privacy-focused. As the use of messaging apps continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize security and privacy to prevent such breaches in the future.

In response to the breach, TeleMessage's parent company, Smarsh, has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received yet. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures and transparency in the development and use of communication services, especially those used by government officials.