Kathrine Frich
Attackers frequently masquerade as support staff or contacts
When high-ranking officials use encrypted apps, they expect their private conversations to stay completely hidden. But even the most popular secure messaging tools have a weak point, and foreign operatives know exactly how to exploit it.
Social engineering trap
Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska has revealed that his Signal account was breached by Russian-linked actors. The incident took place about four to five months ago, according to a June 11 report from Politico cited by United24Media.
Bacon serves as the chair of the House Armed Services Committee’s cyber subcommittee. During a recent cybersecurity conference, he explained that the hackers did not break the app’s core encryption.
Instead, the attackers used a sophisticated social engineering method. They successfully gained access by posing as a trusted acquaintance.
Avoiding sensitive data
The lawmaker noted that he remains extremely cautious about his personal devices. He stressed that he does not keep classified government information on the messaging platform.
“People think Signal’s secure, but it’s not,” Bacon stated. He added that he avoids using his mobile phone for any classified discussions, knowing the ongoing risks involved.
He has operated under the assumption that he is being watched for nearly two decades. “I figure somebody’s always monitoring my phone. This has been my reality since about 2006,” he remarked.
The FBI and House IT specialists are currently investigating the breach.
A wider digital threat
This incident aligns with growing warnings from US federal agencies. Authorities have seen a rising trend of foreign-backed digital campaigns targeting government officials on commercial messaging platforms.
Attackers frequently masquerade as support staff or contacts to infiltrate these systems. Signal has acknowledged the issue and issued guidance to help users mitigate the risk.
Bacon is a vocal critic of the Kremlin and a steadfast supporter of Ukraine. His national defense oversight role frequently puts him at the center of discussions about foreign interference.
The frontline of hybrid warfare
European experts are also sounding the alarm. Former top cyber diplomat Casper Klynge recently warned that the continent faces a staggering 900 percent surge in cyberattacks across certain sectors.
Speaking at the GLOBSEC 2026 forum, Klynge emphasized that Ukraine is now the primary frontline for modern hybrid warfare. He noted that cyber operations have become closely tied to physical threats.
Many organizations remain highly vulnerable to hostile actors. Klynge argued that a dangerous reliance on outdated technology makes it harder to achieve true digital security.
Sources: united24Media, Politico, GLOBSEC 2026
