The reported eavesdropping scandal involving the Signal messaging app has triggered widespread security concerns across Germany. Konstantin von Notz, the Deputy Chairman of the Green Party parliamentary group-and a member of the intelligence services’ parliamentary control body-warned that the incident serves as a “wake-up call for all security sectors”. He expressed deep concern regarding Moscow’s motives, stating that the attacks are “real and an actual danger to our security”. Von Notz asserted that agents are continuously operating in Germany, spying on people and planning acts of sabotage.
The politician also anticipated lingering, long-term consequences of the Signal attacks, noting that intelligence agencies might attempt to discredit those connected to the scandal. Regardless, he concluded that the attackers managed to gain valuable intelligence, a factor that should not be underestimated.
The gravity of the attack was highlighted when it was revealed over the weekend that several high-profile political figures were allegedly targeted. In addition to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), Minister for Building Verena Hubertz (SPD), and Minister for Families Karin Prien (CDU) were reportedly affected. The fact that top politicians could be spied upon in an attack attributed by security authorities to Russia has stunned experts.
Linus Neumann of the Chaos Computer Club, a major association of hackers and cybersecurity experts, criticized the focus on the app itself. “It wasn’t Signal, but Ms. Klöckner who was hacked” he stated. He emphasized that while the incident represented a “considerable individual failing” it exposed structural vulnerabilities that allowed the massive security breach to occur.