“Unofficial” Signal app which led to firing of NSA Mike Waltz suspends services after reported hacking

The ‘unofficial, less secure version’ of Signal app, reportedly known as TeleMessage, has announced a temporary suspension of its services following a security breach that allegedly exposed some of its users' messages, a report has said. The app is said to have been used by former US National Security Adviser (NSA) Mike Waltz to discuss confidential military operations in Yemen.
As per news agency Reuters, Smarsh, the Portland, Oregon-based company that operates TeleMessage, confirmed the suspension in an email, stating they are “investigating a potential security incident.” The company emphasised that they are suspending all services “out of an abundance of caution” while they conduct a thorough investigation into the reported hack.
This decision comes after reports surfaced that the app's backend infrastructure was compromised, potentially allowing unauthorised access to user communications. The reported hack has raised concerns regarding the security of sensitive information exchanged through the platform, particularly given its use by high-ranking officials like Mike Waltz.

Waltz's use of TeleMessage, an unofficial version of the encrypted messaging app Signal, came under scrutiny following a reported security breach. A photograph taken by Reuters suggested Waltz using the app during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 1).
The following day, Waltz was removed from his position, after a period of controversy stemming from his establishment of a Signal group chat to share live updates on US military operations in Yemen. The group chat drew significant attention when a journalist was mistakenly added to the conversation.
A report published on Sunday (May 4) by tech news site 404 Media disclosed that a hacker had infiltrated TeleMessage's backend systems, potentially gaining access to user messages. 404 Media stated that the hacker provided them with stolen data, some of which the news outlet was able to independently confirm. This revelation has further intensified concerns regarding the security of Waltz's communications.