TeleMessage, a cloud communications software provider, whose products have recently come under attack. Federal security officials have been taken aback by a string of high profile disclosed compromises. In response to a request for confirmation, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) acknowledged that it uses the platform. This innocuous social platform has glaring vulnerabilities that jeopardize our national security.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has taken a strong stance against TeleMessage, asserting that the platform represents “a serious threat to US national security.” In addition to his legislative efforts, he has formally urged the Department of Justice to investigate the company’s record and security practices. Most recently, TeleMessage has provided the administration communication software infrastructure to the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security and White House. This deep connection only complicates matters and leaves us with worrying questions about sensitive information that might have already been breached.
These fears grew recently after a major breach, in which hackers announced they had hacked into the TeleMessage database. Following these incidents, sending messages suspended their services indefinitely just was booted. A spokesperson for Smarsh, the parent company of TeleMessage, stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, all TeleMessage services have been temporarily suspended. All other Smarsh products and services remain fully operational.” According to their spokesperson, the breach was handled expeditiously to contain it. They engaged a third-party cybersecurity company to conduct additional forensic investigation.
No doubt why high-ranking officials at the highest levels have used TeleMessage’s services, such as members of congress and senior administration officials. A subsequent picture appeared of Congressman Mike Waltz using TeleMessage Signal to communicate securely in the middle of a cabinet meeting. Add to that the fact that the former U.S. director of national intelligence was recently reported to have used the app while in office.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding TeleMessage, there remains a lack of complete public accountability regarding which government officials and agencies have used the platform. This lack of transparency only increases fears and worries about potential risks related to its use.
In response to the breach, CBP moved quickly. Rhonda Lawson remarked, “Following the detection of a cyber incident, CBP immediately disabled TeleMessage as a precautionary measure.” Actions like these are showing just how seriously people – and federal agencies – are taking this situation.
Senator Wyden’s letter to the Department of Justice underscores the urgency for a thorough investigation into TeleMessage’s operations. He did not pull punches when discussing how the vulnerabilities they encountered on the platform could impact national security in devastating ways.
As more facts come to light regarding the depth of the breaches and the impact they have, federal officials can expect to be under a growing demand. They will need to reconsider this newfound dependence on TeleMessage to secure communications.
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