Rep. Don Bacon Says Russian Hackers Compromised His Signal Account
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) disclosed that Russian operatives hacked his Signal messaging app account approximately four to five months ago, with the FBI and House cybersecurity officials now investigating. Bacon, a vocal Republican supporter of Ukraine aid, said the attackers used spear phishing tactics by posing as a trusted contact and that no classified information was exposed. The breach highlights ongoing Russian-backed campaigns targeting U.S. officials through commercial messaging platforms.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska revealed that his Signal account was compromised by Russian hackers roughly four to five months ago, with federal investigators now examining the breach. Bacon disclosed the incident at a cybersecurity conference in Washington, later providing details to Politico about how attackers posed as a trusted acquaintance to gain access through spear phishing. He confirmed that the FBI and House cybersecurity officials are investigating and stated that no classified information was exposed because he does not use Signal for sensitive government communications. Bacon noted that Russian-backed campaigns have been targeting current and former U.S. officials through Signal and other commercial messaging platforms, and he expressed skepticism about Signal's security despite its reputation for encryption. The congressman, who has been a consistent critic of Russia and advocate for Ukraine support, said he has been targeted by foreign hackers since 2006, including a 2023 breach of his email by Chinese state-linked hackers.
What different sources said
- Washington ExaminerRight
Republican Rep. Don Bacon says Russia hacked his Signal app
- PoliticoLeft
Hawkish GOP lawmaker Don Bacon says he was hacked by Russia
Related
San Francisco Schools Superintendent Maria Su Testifies Before Congressional Committee on Curriculum Policies
San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce this week regarding the district's curriculum and policies. The hearing focused on contentious issues including COVID-related curriculum comparisons, transgender student policies, and parental notification procedures, with the district currently under Department of Justice investigation. The testimony reflects broader national debates over school curriculum, parental rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusion policies in public education.
Trump Pushes $350B Pentagon Reconciliation Bill With Elections Overhaul; Republicans Divided
President Trump has called on Republicans to pass a third reconciliation bill allocating $350 billion to the Pentagon while including the Save America Act, which addresses election-related provisions. The proposal comes as some Republican senators have expressed opposition to using reconciliation for defense spending. The bill's fate depends on GOP unity, as reconciliation requires only a simple majority but faces internal party resistance.
State and Territory Disability Ministers Warn NDIS Overhaul Could Shift 240,000 People Into Hospitals
State and territory disability ministers across Australia have jointly warned the Albanese government that its proposed NDIS overhaul could force people with disabilities into hospitals and inappropriate settings. The plan aims to remove approximately 240,000 people from the $50-56 billion scheme by 2028 to curb its growth and limit access to those with the most severe disabilities. The ministers argue they lack the capacity and resources to provide equivalent services to those exited from the scheme, raising concerns about service gaps and fragmented care.