Weeks after the ‘Signalgate’ scandal erupted, the issues surrounding White House officials using non-government encrypted messaging apps are far bigger than a single app or individual. It’s vital for leaders in both public and private sectors to embrace robust security practices all the time.
No public announcement has surfaced about enhancing security protocols. Instead, it feels like leaders are sidestepping accountability.
A string of errors reveals a lack of process. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz made a critical mistake by including a journalist in a chat that didn’t concern them. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth followed up by leaking classified info without ensuring the journalist had proper clearance. Cabinet members, including Vice President JD Vance, failed to take action until the story went public. The US military was fortunate that adversaries didn’t exploit the situation, but trust among American allies has taken a serious hit.
This isn’t just a political blunder; it’s a glaring example of how security falls apart when leadership disregards basic protocols. If top officials can’t exemplify discipline, how does anyone else in the system feel accountable?
Tools and processes alone won’t cut it. As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and COO focused on information security across various businesses, I’ve observed that encryption and guidelines don’t safeguard us. The leak involving Waltz and Hegseth didn’t stem from poor tech. Signal works well when used properly. The government even has secure options in place like SCIFs. So, what went wrong? Secure practices depend on culture, and culture is shaped by leadership. Waltz, Hegseth, and others chose convenience over duty, assuming rules applied to others, not themselves.
The same dangers exist in the private sector. In finance, healthcare, or defense, one executive can jeopardize an entire organization if they treat protocols as optional.
We need a continuous security culture. The takeaways from the Signal scandal are simple:
– Utilize secure, authorized tools that undergo regular assessments by trusted third-party specialists.
– Never share classified information outside vetted networks, ensuring only those who need to know have access.
– Report violations and enforce consequences consistently, regardless of rank.
– Collaborate with leadership to embed security best practices throughout all operations, not just the profit-generating ones.
– Train everyone, from leaders to contributors, to prioritize cybersecurity and update their knowledge regularly, treating it as integral, not just compliance checkboxes.
Failures at the top don’t remain isolated; they chip away at standards across organizations and signal to adversaries that they can exploit vulnerabilities. We’re entering a time when threats will become automated and use AI, making social engineering attacks easier and more widespread.
Security starts with leadership, not just technology. When the rules become flexible for those at the top, that’s when the entire system falters.
