Bypassing Pentagon's Cybersecurity, Military Secrets May Have Been Leaked Early Controversy Keeps Flaring Up as Chief of Staff Resigns
US Secretary of Defense Faces Another Blunder! Informants Reveal that Hengseth installed a "dirty line" in his office computer for the convenience of using Signal.
The US Secretary of Defense, Hengseth, has recently been embroiled in a scandal involving leaked messages from a group chat. However, informants have revealed another controversy: Hengseth allegedly bypassed the Pentagon's security protocols to conveniently use the communication app Signal by connecting his office computer to an unsecured "dirty line." Amidst these scandals surrounding the defense secretary, there are reports of personnel changes within the Pentagon's upper echelons, with rumors circulating that Hengseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, is set to resign.
According to reports by The Associated Press, sources claim that this "dirty line" was installed at Hengseth's request so he could use Signal on his personal computer. A "dirty line" refers to commercial network lines used to access websites that are shielded from the Pentagon's unclassified and classified networks. As such lines lack the specialized firewalls of the Department of Defense, information is easily susceptible to monitoring, especially when sensitive data is being transmitted.
A source noted that initially, Hengseth would go to the rear area of his office where he could connect his devices to the Department of Defense Wi-Fi. He later requested a line be installed on his desk so he could use his own computer. This meant there were sometimes three computers around his desk: one personal computer, another for handling classified information, and a third for dealing with sensitive defense information.
Given the susceptibility of electronic devices to surveillance, no one is allowed to bring them into the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Key offices at the Pentagon have cabinets or drawers where staff or visitors must leave their devices.
When asked about the existence of a dirty line in Hengseth's office, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense stated, "The Secretary's use of communication systems and channels is confidential. However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used Signal on his government computer and currently does not."
This represents the latest shocking revelation to hit the Pentagon. In addition to facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans regarding his handling of sensitive information, Hengseth has dismissed and reassigned several close advisors, significantly shrinking his inner circle and intensifying the turmoil following the recent dismissals of several senior officers.
A senior defense official revealed on the 24th that Hengseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, is set to leave. However, the official noted that Kasper will continue to serve as a Special Government Employee (SGE) for President Trump, responsible for special projects at the Department of Defense. "Hengseth thanks him for his continued leadership and the work done to advance America's priority agenda," the official added.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498238705031774772/
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