Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) stated that Russian operatives compromised his account on the encrypted messaging app Signal, and federal investigators are currently examining the breach. Bacon, a supporter of aid to Ukraine, disclosed that the hacking occurred approximately four to five months ago, and both the FBI and House cybersecurity officials are investigating the incident. He does not believe any classified information was exposed, as he does not use Signal for sensitive communications.
Bacon revealed the breach during a cybersecurity conference in Washington on June 10, stating he had just learned of the hacking. He indicated that the attackers may have posed as a trusted acquaintance to gain access to his account, a method consistent with spear phishing. He remarked that the attackers were knowledgeable enough to identify his friends.
The congressman noted that he has avoided using his phone for sensitive communications due to previous targeting by foreign hackers. In 2023, Chinese state-linked hackers breached the email accounts of several U.S. officials, including Bacon, through vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s cloud email systems. He expressed concerns about ongoing monitoring of his communications.
This incident comes amid warnings from federal cybersecurity agencies about Russian-backed campaigns targeting U.S. officials through Signal and other messaging platforms. Bacon has been vocal in his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has advocated for continued U.S. support for Ukraine, recently joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers to vote for $1.3 billion in aid to Ukraine and new sanctions on Russia.