- Signal, known for its strong end-to-end encryption, is under scrutiny after Trump officials used it for discussing military operations.
- Experts warn that while Signal is secure for general privacy, it lacks the infrastructure and oversight needed for national security communications.
- The Pentagon has cautioned against Signal’s use, citing risks of exploitation by Russian hackers through its linked devices feature.
The Signal messaging app, long praised for its strong privacy protections, has come under fresh scrutiny after reports revealed that senior Trump administration officials used it to discuss military operations, including potential strikes in Yemen. While Signal remains a trusted tool for journalists and security-conscious users, its adoption in high-stakes national security scenarios has raised alarms among cybersecurity experts and government officials.
Signal operates using end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the contents of a message. Unlike WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage, Signal is run by an independent nonprofit and collects virtually no metadata. This level of privacy has made it popular among activists, journalists, and whistleblowers. However, its lack of institutional oversight and security infrastructure makes it less suitable for sensitive government communications.
The app is owned by the Signal Foundation, founded in 2018 with an initial $50 million contribution from WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. Signal uses the same encryption protocol that underpins WhatsApp, but the app differentiates itself by avoiding data-sharing practices common to big tech platforms. Its leadership, including CEO Meredith Whittaker, has been vocal in criticizing tech business models that rely on personal data exploitation.
Despite its encryption strength, experts warn that Signal was not designed for military-grade security. The concerns lie less with the app itself and more with how it’s used—especially on personal devices that may not meet stringent security protocols. Using such tools outside official, secured communication channels increases the risk of sensitive information being exposed, particularly if the devices are compromised or improperly configured.
Adding to the concerns, a recent Pentagon memo reportedly cautioned staff against using Signal due to threats from Russian hackers. These actors were said to be exploiting Signal’s linked devices feature to gain access to conversations. As Signal’s popularity surges in light of the revelations, cybersecurity experts caution that it could become a larger target, potentially undermining the very privacy it seeks to protect.
