Signal scandal: CIA veteran slams use in Yemeni strike plans
John Sipher, a former CIA officer, sharply criticised the use of the Signal app for planning a military operation. In his opinion, such an action embarrasses the US and exposes the incompetence of its leaders.
Former CIA officer John Sipher, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency, expressed his outrage regarding the use of the Signal app to plan a military operation. Sipher emphasised that had he or anyone else at the CIA engaged in similar conduct, they would have been immediately dismissed.
The matter involved the accidental addition of "The Atlantic" editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a group chat where details of an operation against Yemeni Houthi rebels were discussed. Goldberg gained access to information shared by the Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, two hours before the planned strike.
Although the administration of President Donald Trump downplayed the incident, security experts, including Sipher, expressed deep concern. Sipher criticised the government’s reaction, which involved denying and attacking the journalist who exposed the issue.
I think they treat national security like domestic politics — said Sipher, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
Security issues
Experts also point to another serious issue. This involves the presence of special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow at the time he was added to the chat. A former Pentagon official, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted potential security breaches related to using private phones during visits to Russia.
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— I wonder if he took it to the Kremlin and they asked him to leave it outside, and he did. That would be the worst-case scenario. Or he kept it with him, and they just stripped everything they could from it while he talked with Putin — added the anonymous interlocutor from PAP.
Although Signal is encrypted, there is a risk of hacking into the device, which would allow access to all data. — Then someone could read everything, regardless of the quality of encryption of individual apps — noted the interlocutor from PAP.
