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Bad cybersecurity by Secret Service agents put US officials at risk, inspector general says
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
By Sean Lyngaas, Holmes Lybrand, CNN
(CNN) — Bad cybersecurity practices from Secret Service agents have left their phones vulnerable to hacking and risked the lives of senior US officials they are charged with protecting, according to a new inspector general report.
Foreign “adversaries” — a...
Key takeaway A big part of the problem is that Secret Service employes have frequently used their less-secure personal phones rather than their government phones while on protective missions, the new IG report found.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The cybersecurity lapses among Secret Service agents have significant implications for the safety of high-profile events in El Paso , where the city has hosted numerous visits from senior US officials in the past. The fact that agents' personal phones are vulnerable to hacking puts the entire security apparatus at risk, and the consequences could be devastating if sensitive information falls into the wrong hands. El Paso's unique location on the US-Mexico border also raises concerns about the potential for foreign adversaries to exploit these security gaps. As the city continues to host high-profile events and visits, it is crucial that the Secret Service takes immediate action to address these cybersecurity shortcomings and ensure the safety of both the officials they protect and the local community. The inspector general's report serves as a wake-up call for the agency to revamp its security practices and provide its agents with secure and reliable communication tools.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? By Sean Lyngaas, Holmes Lybrand, CNN
(CNN) — Bad cybersecurity practices from Secret Service agents have left their phones vulnerable to hacking and risked the lives of senior US officials they are charged with protecting, according to a new inspector general report.
Foreign “adversaries” — a...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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