FBI Urges Americans to Prioritize Encrypted Messaging Amid Chinese Cyber Espionage

Warnings follow revelations of a large-scale hacking campaign targeting U.S. telecom networks and unencrypted communications.

The FBI and CISA have issued a strong recommendation for Americans to use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp to protect their communications.
A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, dubbed 'Salt Typhoon,' has infiltrated U.S. telecom networks, compromising call metadata and some communications of individuals in government and political roles.
Text messages between iPhone and Android devices are particularly vulnerable, as they lack encryption, unlike iMessages or Google Messages within their respective platforms.
Federal officials, including the FCC, are pushing for stricter cybersecurity measures, including requiring telecom companies to certify plans to safeguard against cyberattacks.
A Cyber Safety Review Board is set to investigate the breach, with recommendations expected to address encryption, network security, and long-term resilience against future threats.