Pentagon investigating “critical compromise” of comms – media

An Air Force engineer supposedly stole $90,000 worth of equipment from an air force base in Tennessee, reportedly granting himself “unauthorized administrator access” to sensitive military radio communications.

The Pentagon is investigating a possible “critical compromise” of comms in 17 US air force facilities, Forbes reported. According to a search warrant seen by journalists, FBI communications could have been breached by the same person.

The 48-year-old engineer supposedly could access radio communications tech used by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), one of nine major commands (MAJCOM) of the air force.

According to Forbes, the suspect is well-experienced in cybersecurity and radio communications and has carried out several tests of air force base security.

Witnesses and co-workers reportedly told investigators that the suspect worked odd hours, often lied, acted inappropriately in the workplace, had financial problems, and possessed air force radio equipment.

The Pentagon breach comes only three months after Jack Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, leaked classified US military documents on the instant messaging platform Discord.

According to the charges, Teixeira began posting images of the Top Secret documents inside his all-male Discord chat group “Thug Shaker Central” – complete with military standard TOP SECRET/ SECRET markings stamped across them – on or around January 2022.

The former Airman First Class of the 102nd Intelligence Wing was indicted on six counts of willful retention, transmission, and unauthorized removal of classified information relating to national defense, the DoJ said.

For each charge, Teixeira faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.