Pentagon Chief’s Use of Unsecured Internet Line in Office Sparks Security Concerns

By Staff, Agencies

War Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly had an unsecured internet line installed in his Pentagon office to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, bypassing standard US military cybersecurity protocols.

Two individuals familiar with the setup told the Associated Press that the line, known as a “dirty” internet connection, connected directly to the public internet—potentially exposed sensitive military information to hacking or surveillance.

While such lines are sometimes used in Pentagon offices to access restricted websites, their major risk lies in the lack of monitoring and security. Unlike secure government networks, “dirty” lines do not track activity for compliance and make users appear as anonymous internet users rather than identifiable US War Department personnel.

The connection was reportedly used by Hegseth to access Signal, a private encrypted messaging app. This comes amid mounting scrutiny over his communications after he allegedly shared sensitive details about a military airstrike in two group chats—one that included President Trump’s top national security aides and another with personal contacts, including his wife and brother.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Hegseth “has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer,” without addressing the use of personal devices on unsecured lines.

The situation has deepened concerns within the Pentagon. Hegseth has already come under bipartisan fire for mishandling sensitive information, especially after posting classified details—such as exact times for a US airstrike on Yemen’s Ansarullah revolutionaries—on Signal before the mission had even launched. Experts warned such disclosures could have endangered US personnel.

According to officials familiar with his office setup, Hegseth often worked at a desk equipped with three computers: one personal device, one for classified material, and another for sensitive—but not top-secret—military information. The Pentagon prohibits the use of unauthorized electronic devices in secure areas, and designated drawers or cabinets are used to store personal items to prevent spying.

Although Signal is encrypted, cybersecurity experts and government agencies, including the “National Security” Agency, have warned that apps like it can still be compromised, especially by adversaries like Russia or China. Theresa Payton, former White House chief information officer, noted that even secure apps must be paired with secure hardware and connections to prevent intrusion.

The War Department’s acting inspector general has launched an investigation into Hegseth’s Signal use, prompted by bipartisan concern from the Senate Armed Services Committee. Meanwhile, Trump and Vice President JD Vance have voiced full support for Hegseth, dismissing the controversy as the result of disgruntled insiders leaking stories to the press.