FBI Urges Use of Encrypted Messaging After Chinese-Linked 'Salt Typhoon' Cyberattack

Dec 15, 2024, 03:30 PM

The FBI has issued a warning to Americans regarding the security of text messaging following a significant cyberattack linked to the Chinese government, known as Salt Typhoon, which compromised major U.S. telecommunications networks. This operation, considered one of the largest hacks in U.S. infrastructure history, targeted high-value individuals but also collected metadata from ordinary users, potentially exposing communication patterns and social networks. The FBI recommends switching to end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or using Google Messages and Apple's iMessage for secure communication. The government has also released technical guidance to telecom companies to enhance security measures, highlighting the ongoing risk of communication breaches until these vulnerabilities are addressed. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Jeff Greene emphasized the importance of encryption, while Vahid Behzadan, an assistant professor at the University of New Haven, noted the risks to ordinary individuals. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger stressed the need for telecom companies to address cybersecurity gaps.