Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, utilized an unsecured internet connection in his Pentagon office to access the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, bypassing government security protocols, as reported by the Associated Press. This setup included a “dirty line,” a commercial internet connection allowing access to websites typically blocked by Pentagon’s secure networks, according to ABC News. The use of this unauthorized method to connect to the internet raised concerns about potential risks of hacking or surveillance on sensitive defense information.

Reports indicated that Hegseth had multiple computers around his desk, including one for personal use, one for classified information, and another for sensitive defense data. Notably, electronic devices are prohibited inside the defense secretary’s office due to the risk of spyware infiltration.

The ongoing leaks regarding Hegseth’s use of Signal to share military information with family and friends have sparked further scrutiny. Despite the Pentagon confirming that Hegseth did not use Signal on his government computer, previous reports revealed his sharing of sensitive operational details about strikes in Yemen via a private Signal group chat. This controversy draws comparisons to previous security breaches, such as Hillary Clinton’s private email server use, which Hegseth strongly criticized in the past.

The evolving revelations surrounding Hegseth’s unconventional communication practices highlight potential vulnerabilities in safeguarding classified information within the defense department, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict security protocols to prevent unauthorized data exposure.