U.S. Agencies Warn Against Unsecure Texting Amid Rising Cyber Espionage Threats

CISA and FBI urge encrypted communication as Chinese-linked hacking group targets high-profile individuals and telecom networks.

CISA and FBI have issued new cybersecurity guidelines urging the use of end-to-end encrypted messaging to protect against cyber threats.
The warnings follow a significant espionage campaign by the Chinese-linked hacking group 'Salt Typhoon,' which targeted U.S. telecom networks and political figures.
Key recommendations include avoiding SMS-based authentication, using hardware authentication tools, and enabling encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp.
Additional security measures include using password managers, securing carrier accounts with PINs, and regularly updating devices and software for the latest protections.
Both iPhone and Android users are advised to review app permissions, configure secure DNS services, and enable advanced security features like Lockdown Mode and Google Play Protect.