In a surprising shift in government communication protocols, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that Signal, an encrypted messaging app, now comes pre-installed on government-issued devices. This marks a significant change, as the app was previously restricted due to security concerns.
A Response to Rising Cybersecurity Threats
Gabbard made the statement during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Wednesday, citing new cybersecurity guidelines from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The guidance, released in December, urged high-risk individuals, including government officials, to use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps—explicitly naming Signal as an example.
The move comes after last year’s major cyberattack by Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, which infiltrated U.S. telecommunications networks, compromising the phones of top U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Government Officials Concerned About Signal’s Use
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about the potential risks of using Signal for sensitive discussions. The Atlantic recently reported that Trump administration officials used Signal to coordinate a military strike on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, raising questions about the security of government communications.
Adding to the debate, CIA Director John Ratcliffe testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that Signal was installed on his CIA-issued devices within days of his confirmation. This highlights the growing reliance on encrypted messaging among U.S. intelligence agencies.
Conflicting Opinions on Signal’s Security
Despite its encryption capabilities, Signal has faced past restrictions on government devices.
- In 2021, the Pentagon’s Inspector General criticized a top defense official for using Signal for official communication.
- The NSA recently warned employees that Signal is a high-value target for hackers, making it a potential vulnerability.
Cybersecurity experts continue to stress that Signal should not be used for classified discussions, advocating for government-approved, highly secure communication platforms instead.
As the U.S. government tightens cybersecurity protocols, the debate over using commercial encrypted apps like Signal for sensitive communications is likely to intensify.
