WhatsApp Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Someone Reportedly Hacked the Messaging App Mike Waltz Was Seen Using

A cybersecurity breach involving TeleMessage, an Israeli messaging application company, has raised concerns about customer data safety. The breach allowed unauthorized access to direct messages and personal information on the platform, which lacks full end-to-end encryption like Signal. The hacker reported that accessing the data took only 15-20 minutes and exposed names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Customs and Border Protection officials, along with information from various financial institutions. TeleMessage is used by government agencies, including the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making the breach more significant. While the hacker did not access all content, they indicated potential for further breaches, and journalists have verified some of the compromised material. TeleMessage's claim of maintaining Signal's security standards is questioned, as archiving messages introduces privacy risks. A spokesperson for Signal warned against using unofficial versions of their app, highlighting security vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Signal clone used by Trump team hacked, GlobalX flight data leaked

The messaging app TeleMessage, used by President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has been suspended due to a reported security breach, raising concerns about the security of sensitive government communications. The app, a modified version of Signal, was halted after a hacker accessed message contents from its customized versions, although the communications of national security advisor Mike Waltz were reportedly not affected. TeleMessage's suspension follows a statement from its parent company, Smarsh, confirming an investigation into the security incident. Despite President Trump's criticism of Signal, the White House continues to defend it, highlighting its pre-installation on government devices. Concerns about privacy protections arise from TeleMessage's archiving features, which may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption. Additionally, GlobalX, the airline involved in Trump’s deportation flights, experienced a hacking incident, resulting in the exposure of flight records and passenger lists.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Another messaging app used by the White House is in hot water

Former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has come under scrutiny for using TeleMessage, an app that has recently experienced a security breach resulting in the theft of sensitive data, including direct messages and group chats. High-ranking officials from the Trump administration, including Waltz, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, were reported to have used the app. A photograph captured Waltz during a Cabinet meeting appearing to use TeleMessage to access Signal messages, raising concerns due to his previous controversy involving a chat room on Signal that included a journalist. The security vulnerabilities of TeleMessage have been criticized, particularly as it lacks the robust encryption features of Signal. The app was initially marketed as a solution for preserving messages for government record-keeping, but its reliability has been questioned.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Messaging App Tied to Trump Cabinet Investigating Cyber Incident

TeleMessage is investigating a potential security breach, suspecting that hackers may have exploited its technology. The company has temporarily suspended its app services as a precautionary measure. TeleMessage, a product of Smarsh Inc. based in Portland, Oregon, archives messages from encrypted applications like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

A personal goodbye to Skype; the app that connected worlds

Skype has officially ceased to exist as of today. It was introduced in 2011-2012 as a more robust alternative to MSN Messenger, allowing for group calls and video interactions. Skype served as a platform for social interactions, job interviews, and long-distance communication. Over time, users shifted to alternatives like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom, especially during the pandemic, leading Microsoft to integrate Skype's features into its Teams platform. Despite its decline, Skype remains a symbol of a bygone era, representing significant moments and connections in users' lives.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Messaging app used by Trump official suspends operations after reported hack

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz was preparing for a television interview at the White House using the messaging app TeleMessage, which is currently facing a temporary suspension due to a security breach. The parent company, Smarsh, is investigating the incident and has halted all TeleMessage services while engaging an external cybersecurity firm. The breach reportedly involves the theft of data from messages sent via TeleMessage's versions of popular messaging platforms, but there is no indication that Waltz's messages were accessed. The White House has not responded to inquiries about the service suspension. Waltz was previously photographed using TeleMessage while communicating with various officials. Former President Donald Trump intends to nominate Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as the interim national security advisor. Concerns have been raised about whether private messages are automatically deleted, potentially violating federal records-retention laws, and TeleMessage may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Facebook parent Meta launches AI assistant app, further competing with OpenAI and Google

Meta Platforms launched a dedicated app for its Meta AI assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized responses based on user data from Facebook and Instagram. The app is powered by Llama 4, Meta's latest large language model, designed to compete with AI systems from OpenAI and Google. It will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and the existing companion app. Meta is also hosting its first AI developer event, LlamaCon, on the same day as the app launch and plans to test a paid subscription model for advanced versions of its AI chatbot in the second quarter. Meta AI, launched in September 2023, serves as a virtual assistant capable of reasoning tasks.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Photo appears to shows Mike Waltz using Signal-like app that can archive messages

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that the encrypted messaging application Signal is officially sanctioned for government use and installed on government-issued devices. The National Security Council has not commented on the related app, TeleMessage, which is derived from Signal and designed to help government entities comply with records retention laws. TeleMessage was founded in 1999, acquired by Smarsh in 2024, and has been involved in government contracts, including a .1 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA that began in February 2023 and will conclude in August 2025. Tom Padgett, Smarsh’s president for enterprise business, stated that like Signal, messages sent through TeleMessage are encrypted, but the app does not address security issues raised by a recent incident involving Signal. The specifics of how government officials utilize TeleMessage remain unclear, and five cybersecurity experts admitted they were unfamiliar with the app prior to recent developments. TeleMessage licenses parts of its technology, including its encryption protocol, to other companies, but Signal clarified there is no formal agreement with TeleMessage and expressed concerns about the privacy and security of unofficial versions of their app.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Meta launches a standalone AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a stand-alone AI application at the LlamaCon event, designed to integrate with its platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The app utilizes user data from these platforms to offer personalized interactions, allowing it to tailor responses based on individual user preferences. Currently, it is available in the U.S. and Canada and enables users to share personal information to enhance future conversations. The app also includes a Discover feed for users to share their AI experiences with friends, while maintaining control over what is shared. Users are advised to be cautious about how their data may be used, as Meta relies on user data for its advertising revenue.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

How to schedule WhatsApp messages on Android

Users can schedule messages on WhatsApp for Android by following these steps: 1. Open WhatsApp on the Android device. 2. Select the chat for the scheduled message. 3. Compose the message. 4. Access the scheduling options, usually indicated by a clock icon. 5. Set the desired date and time for sending the message. 6. Confirm the schedule to finalize the process.