US defense secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly installed an unsecured internet connection in his Pentagon office, bypassing government security protocols to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, according to sources familiar with the situation as cited by the Associated Press. The connection, known as a “dirty line” in IT professional circles, allows access to websites that are blocked on the Pentagon’s secure and classified networks. The use of this line raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities to hacking and surveillance.
ABC News also reported that Hegseth had a “dirty line” setup, which refers to a commercial internet line used to access websites that are restricted on Pentagon networks. The defense department typically connects to the internet through two systems: SiprNet for classified information and NiprNet for unclassified data.
This recent reporting aligns with previous revelations about Hegseth’s use of Signal to communicate sensitive military information to friends and family. The Washington Post reported that he directed the installation of Signal on a desktop computer in his Pentagon office. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the secretary never used and does not currently use Signal on his official computer.
The Guardian further reported that Hegseth had shared sensitive operational information about strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen in a private Signal group chat with his wife, brother, personal lawyer, and associates. In 2016, Hepgist criticized Hillary Clinton for using a private email server for official business as secretary of state, stating that any security professional would be fired and criminally prosecuted for such conduct.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/pete-hegseth-internet-signal-app
