FBI urges iPhone and Android users to ditch texting and opt for certain app instead after spike in hacks

The FBI has issued a warning to iPhone and Android users, advising them to stop texting and switch to WhatsApp instead.

According to officials, Chinese hacks are using unencrypted calls and messages to target Americans.

Using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal is the best way to stop hackers from stealing your messages, according to the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Technology used in encryption jumbles a message and needs a key to decipher it.

Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, stated, “Our recommendation, what we have told people internally, is not new here: Encryption is your friend, whether it is 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.”

According to him, individuals should have a smartphone that automatically upgrades its operating system on time, has properly managed encryption, and has multi-factor authentication to prevent phishing attempts for accounts on social media, email, and collaborative tools.

Microsoft refers to the large intrusion as Salt Typhoon, which has made private American communications vulnerable to foreign hackers.

Officials informed NBC News that China spied on consumers by hacking tech companies like Lumen Technologies, Verizon, and AT&T.

“China firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks,” an NBC News spokeswoman for the Chinese Embassy stated.

According to a senior FBI official, the bureau began looking into the dubious activities this spring.

According to Greene, it is “impossible” to forecast when the problem will be completely fixed.

End-to-end encryption is automatically used by WhatsApp and Signal for both texts and calls.

Both iMessage and Google Messages encrypt texts and calls.

This indicates that communications between Android and Android or between iPhones is generally secure.

But when iPhone users text Android users, and vice versa, the problem arises.

On December 11, a Senate Commerce committee is scheduled to hear testimony regarding Salt Typhoon.

It is anticipated that the panel will discuss communications network security concerns and “review best practice,” according to Reuters.

After officials cautioned Chrome and Safari users to stay away from specific websites for Black Friday shopping, they issued a warning to use encrypted messages.

According to the FBI, consumers should stay away from websites that don’t begin with the initials “https.”

People should also be cautious when purchasing from sellers who just seem to be authorized merchants, according to officials.

Additionally, they advised using credit cards rather than gift cards when making transactions.

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!