Hegseth under scrutiny for using unsecured internet connection for Signal app

The U.S. Department of Defense is investigating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of an unsecured internet connection to access the Signal messaging app on a personal computer in his Pentagon office.

The revelation, which has raised concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive defense information, came after it was discovered that Hegseth used a "dirty" internet line—an unsecured connection that bypasses the Pentagon’s security protocols, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

A "dirty" line connects directly to the public internet, lacking the advanced security filters that protect official Defense Department communications. While such lines are occasionally used to monitor information or access blocked websites, they are vulnerable to hacking and surveillance, potentially putting sensitive information at risk. The app, Signal, has become a focal point of scrutiny after it was revealed that Hegseth shared sensitive details about a military airstrike in two separate group chats, one of which included President Donald Trump’s top national security officials.

The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth never used Signal on his government computer but did not elaborate on the specifics of the investigation. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the defense secretary’s communications systems were classified, declining further comment.

Signal, though encrypted, has faced concerns about potential security breaches. The National Security Agency and Google have both raised alarms about foreign hackers, including those linked to Russia, targeting government officials using the app. The Defense Department’s acting inspector general is now investigating the matter at the request of the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hegseth’s use of Signal is part of broader questions surrounding his handling of sensitive information. Last month, he shared classified details of a U.S. military airstrike on Houthi militants in Yemen before the pilots had launched or safely returned from their mission. While Hegseth denied posting classified “war plans,” the information he shared, including precise launch and bomb drop times, is believed to be classified and could have jeopardized the safety of service members.

The investigation into Hegseth’s actions has added to the ongoing turmoil at the Pentagon, which has seen several senior military officers dismissed in recent months. Despite the controversy, President Trump and other administration officials have expressed confidence in Hegseth, blaming leaks from disgruntled employees for the negative press.

By Vugar Khalilov