Pentagon shock: Pete Hegseth used unsecured internet line to access Signal

UPDATED: Apr 25, 2025 05:16 IST

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had access to an unsecured internet connection in his Pentagon office, bypassing standard protocols to use the encrypted Signal messaging app on a personal computer, two sources familiar with the setup told The Associated Press.

The existence of the so-called “dirty” internet line — a direct connection to the public internet without Pentagon security filters — raises fresh concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive defense information to hacking or foreign surveillance.

While the Signal app itself is encrypted, the use of an unclassified and unfiltered line in the office of the nation’s top defense official has triggered questions about adherence to cybersecurity policies at the Department of Defense.

However, The primary benefit of using such a line is that the user remains hidden, avoiding identification as one of the numerous IP addresses associated with the Defense Department. In effect, the user is masked, according to a senior US official with knowledge of military network security. But it also can expose users to hacking and surveillance. A “dirty” line also may lack the recordkeeping compliance required by federal law, the official said, reports Associated Press.

Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny after it was revealed that he shared sensitive details about a military airstrike in two group chats, each with over a dozen participants. One chat included his wife and brother, while the other involved top national security officials under President Donald Trump.

READ: White House to replace Pete Hegseth as chief after second chat leak claim: Report

When questioned about Hegseth’s use of Signal, first reported by The Washington Post, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the defense secretary’s communication methods are classified. He added, “However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer.”

The Pentagon faces fresh turmoil as Pete Hegseth comes under fire for his handling of sensitive information. Amid bipartisan scrutiny, Hegseth has dismissed or reassigned several close advisers, further narrowing his inner circle following recent firings of senior military officers.

Despite the controversy, Trump and his administration have rallied behind Hegseth, blaming disgruntled employees for leaks to the press. “It’s just fake news. They just bring up stories,” Trump said this week.

“I have 100% confidence in the secretary,” Vice President JD Vance told reporters Wednesday. “I know the president does, and really, the entire team does.”

(With input from the Associated Press)