The FBI says your texts aren't secure. Do you need to stop?
(NEXSTAR) – In the wake of a massive cyberattack linked to the Chinese government, FBI officials are renewing warnings that your private text messages aren't secure.
The concern comes after a hacking operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, gained access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. The hacking group is reportedly associated with the Chinese Government.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called it the "worst telecom hack in our nation's history," the Washington Post reported.
Earlier this month, the FBI and other government cybersecurity officials recommended Americans switch from regular text messages to encrypted messaging apps if they wanted to protect themselves from Chinese hackers, NBC News reports.
"Our suggestion, what we have told folks internally, is not new here: Encryption is your friend, whether it’s on text messaging or if you have the capacity to use encrypted voice communication. Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible," said Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Salt Typhoon is mostly targeting strategically important officials and researchers, said Vahid Behzadan, assistant professor and researcher at the University of New Haven. Federal authorities said hackers linked to China targeted the phones of Donald Trump, JD Vance, and people associated with Kamala Harris.
But there is a risk to ordinary individuals, too, as hackers collected large amounts of metadata.
"This information, even without access to content, can reveal communication patterns, social networks, and potential vulnerabilities, making it a valuable tool for adversaries to identify and exploit targets," Behzadan said.
While you may not be a primary target of a hacking campaign like this, "ordinary individuals are not immune," he added. Your communications and connections could reveal something that helps adversaries with misinformation campaigns or gets them closer to valued targets.
People concerned about the security of their text messages, regardless of the type of phone your use or your telecom provider, can instead use messaging apps, like WhatsApp or Signal. Encrypted messages can't be read when they're in transit between the phone that sends it and the one that receives it. Google Messages and the Messages app on Apple devices are also encrypted.
While encryption isn't a foolproof solution to hacking, it offers better protection, Behzadan said. "Evaluating the risks versus rewards of different communication methods and exercising caution when sharing sensitive information are key to minimizing threats."
The federal government has also released technical guidance to telecom companies to increase security.
"There is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps the Chinese are likely to maintain their access,” Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberge said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
-
Do You Struggle With Negative Feelings? How Emotional Intelligence Helps You Manage Your Emotions in Difficult Moments
Understanding the personalities of the people at work—including your own—can be an asset for leaders. Here, we take a look at neuroticism.Inc. - 8h -
New Jersey drones don't appear to pose national security or public safety threat, FBI says
There have been dozens of sightings of what appear to be drones over New Jersey and adjacent areas in recent weeks.CNBC - 2d -
DNC chair candidates say the party needs to do a postmortem of the 2024 election
How Kamala Harris’ campaign burned through more than $1.4 billion in 15 weeks dominated the storyline of the vice president’s devastating loss to Donald Trump on Nov. 5.NBC News - 3d -
Why You Need A Bag Of Grapes For Your New Year's Eve Celebration
Yahoo News - 4d -
Sorry, archbishop, you need to do a bit more work on your ritual contrition skills | Catherine Bennett
In a year of wretched public apologies, Justin Welby beats even Gregg Wallace . Is a crap apology worse than no apology at all? Gregg Wallace, until Friday a strong contender for the worst public ...The Guardian - Dec. 8 -
Want More People to Reply to Your Texts? Stanford Research Says Stop Making This Common Texting Mistake
Do you pepper your messages with abbreviations like ‘imo’ and ‘ttyl’? If so, new research warns you’re making a big texting mistake.Inc. - Dec. 6 -
Yes, You Can Say ‘Merry Christmas’ at Work. Just Don’t Do This
Feel free to celebrate the holidays, but don’t turn all of December into Santa’s workshop.Inc. - Dec. 5 -
'Urgent measures' needed to secure Volkswagen's future, says CEO
Yahoo News - Dec. 4 -
The ChatGPT secret: is that text message from your friend, your lover – or a robot?
People are turning to chatbots to solve all their life problems, and they like its answers. But are they on a very slippery slope?. When Tim first tried ChatGPT, he wasn’t very impressed. He had a ...The Guardian - Dec. 3
More from The Hill
-
The US should help the world get the plastics treaty it deserves
The Hill - 58m -
Trump leans on extended family for key White House roles
The Hill - 58m -
Ivey: Trump is moving FBI in ‘very political direction’
The Hill - 1h -
Sanders: ‘We can all understand’ Hunter Biden pardon, but worried about ‘precedent’
The Hill - 1h -
Live updates: Rounds says Gabbard needs ‘good coaching’ before Senate hearing; Graham says conservatives don't trust FBI
The Hill - 1h