Russian proxy software found on White House devices
The gist
Security firm Layer3 Intel detected residential proxy traffic through White House internet addresses 236 times in 30 days.
The software can be bundled into free apps without users knowing.
How it unfolded
- Oct 5, 2026 – Nov 3, 2026Layer3 Intel detected residential proxy activity on the network registered to the Executive Office of the President, with traffic routed through six White House internet addresses on 236 occasions across 26 of 30 days.
- Nov 4, 2026Layer3 Intel reported the detection, saying it found the activity by chance while monitoring global traffic rather than targeting the government agency.
- Nov 5, 2026KrebsOnSecurity and other outlets reported that several White House staffers were using devices equipped with residential proxy services; the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key terms
- Executive Office of the President
- The collection of offices and agencies that support the work of the U.S. president within the executive branch.
- AS2650
- A unique number identifying an autonomous system, a network under one administrative entity with a common routing policy.
Source: Wikipedia