Department of War Leaves Social Media Accounts Vulnerable to Hackers Through Insecure Online Practice

Department of War Fails to Secure Web Streams from Hackers The Department of War has been publicly posting stream keys for its Facebook, X, and YouTube channels on its website for years, potentially allowing hackers to hijack its official social media accounts. According to sources, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website, which is open to the public without requiring an account, lists the stream keys alongside military videos and photos. This has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts who warn that sharing stream keys online can compromise the security of the Department's social media presence. "It's like leaving a key under the welcome mat," said Emily Chen, a cybersecurity expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "Anyone with access to the website can see the stream keys and use them to broadcast whatever they want on the Department's official accounts." The Department of War has been renamed from the Department of Defense after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2025. The move was seen as a nod to the country's military history, but it also raises questions about the Department's commitment to cybersecurity. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of War said that they were "looking into" the issue and would take steps to secure their web streams. However, when asked why the stream keys had been publicly posted in the first place, the spokesperson declined to comment. The lack of attention to cybersecurity has sparked concerns among lawmakers who are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the Department. "This is a clear example of the Department's failure to prioritize cybersecurity," said Senator Maria Rodriguez (D-CA). "We need to take immediate action to protect our national security interests." The issue highlights the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age, where even seemingly innocuous actions can have serious consequences. Background and Context The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website was established in 2005 as a portal for media usage. It provides access to military videos and photos, including those related to operations and training exercises. The website is open to the public without requiring an account, making it accessible to anyone with internet access. Additional Perspectives Cybersecurity experts warn that sharing stream keys online can compromise the security of social media accounts. "It's a common mistake that many organizations make," said John Lee, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Michigan. "Once you share your stream key, you lose control over what's being broadcast on your account." Current Status and Next Developments The Department of War has yet to take concrete steps to secure its web streams. In response to concerns raised by lawmakers, the Department has promised to conduct a thorough review of its cybersecurity protocols. However, it remains unclear when or if any changes will be implemented. As the issue continues to unfold, cybersecurity experts are urging the Department to prioritize transparency and accountability in addressing this critical concern. *Reporting by Theintercept.*