U.S. Intel Chief Paid €177K Yearly, Yet Hacked – Passwords Stolen
▼ Summary
– A cybersecurity breach involving Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, exposed leaked passwords from past breaches, undermining confidence in digital security at high levels.
– The breach revealed Gabbard reused passwords across multiple platforms, a critical cybersecurity mistake, despite her access to classified information.
– Password reuse across services creates multiple vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to exploit one breach to access other accounts, especially risky for high-ranking officials.
– The incident highlights broader concerns about government officials’ cybersecurity practices, as the leaked passwords could have led to access to sensitive national security data.
– Cybersecurity experts advocate for stronger measures like two-factor authentication, passkeys, and better training to prevent future breaches among high-profile personnel.
A high-ranking U.S. intelligence official’s compromised passwords have exposed glaring cybersecurity vulnerabilities, raising concerns about digital security at the highest levels of government. The breach, involving leaked credentials from past cyberattacks, underscores how even individuals with access to classified information can fall victim to preventable security lapses.
The incident revolves around Tulsi Gabbard, who served as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in 2025. Investigators discovered that passwords she had used across multiple platforms, including Gmail, Dropbox, and LinkedIn, were exposed in breaches dating back to 2012-2019. While the compromised credentials were reportedly changed after the leak, the fact that they were reused across accounts highlights a critical security oversight.
Password reuse remains one of the most dangerous cybersecurity practices, particularly for officials handling sensitive data. When a single password is used across multiple services, a breach in one platform can grant attackers access to others. In Gabbard’s case, the leaked passwords weren’t simplistic like “123456,” but they still failed to meet modern security standards. Given her role overseeing agencies like the CIA and NSA, the implications of such a lapse could have been severe.
The breach occurred during Gabbard’s tenure in Congress, where she had access to classified intelligence. While no direct evidence suggests classified data was compromised, the exposure of her credentials could have provided hackers with a pathway to more critical systems. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even top officials must adhere to stringent cybersecurity protocols.
This breach is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks targeting government personnel. Past incidents involving platforms like MyFitnessPal and LinkedIn have repeatedly exposed vulnerabilities in digital security. The fact that high-profile figures remain susceptible to such breaches underscores the need for stronger protective measures.
Cybersecurity experts are urging immediate improvements in digital security practices. Simple steps like using unique passwords for each account and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) can significantly reduce risks. More advanced solutions, such as passkeys, which rely on biometrics or device-based authentication, are also gaining traction as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords.
Training and awareness are equally critical. Government employees, especially those in sensitive roles, must be educated on best practices, including the use of password managers and recognizing phishing attempts. The Gabbard breach could serve as a catalyst for policy changes, pushing agencies to enforce stricter security measures for personnel with access to classified information.
As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, the U.S. government must prioritize digital resilience. Ensuring that high-ranking officials adopt robust security habits is no longer optional, it’s a necessity to safeguard national security in an era where even a single compromised password can have far-reaching consequences.
(Source: Indian Defence Review)
