Technical analysis of TM SGNL, the unofficial Signal app Trump officials use
a year ago
- #Privacy
- #Signal
- #Security
- Mike Waltz, former National Security Advisor, uses an unofficial Signal app called TM SGNL to communicate with Trump officials.
- TM SGNL archives messages automatically, including disappearing ones, potentially compromising security.
- The app is developed by TeleMessage, owned by Smarsh, with executives linked to Israeli intelligence.
- TM SGNL likely violates Signal's open-source license by not sharing its modified source code.
- The app is not publicly available; it's distributed via enterprise management services like Apple Business Manager or Google Enterprise.
- Trump officials likely use managed iPhones with TM SGNL installed via MDM, archiving messages to cloud or email servers.
- Documentation suggests archived messages are stored in Microsoft 365, SMTP, or SFTP destinations.
- TeleMessage also offers similar apps for WhatsApp, Telegram, and WeChat, likely violating their proprietary licenses.
- The iOS version of TM SGNL is distributed as an unlisted app in the App Store, requiring a direct link for installation.