The FBI has issued an urgent warning to Americans about securing their text messages and communications, following discoveries of a large-scale Chinese hacking operation targeting U.S. telecommunications companies.
According to the FBI, hackers connected to the Chinese government, known as "Salt Typhoon," have successfully breached at least eight U.S. telecom infrastructure companies. The hackers have been collecting users' metadata and, in some cases, recording phone conversations.
In response, the FBI recommends using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps to protect personal communications. For iPhone users, iMessage and FaceTime already provide this security by default. Android users can activate encryption in Google Messages, though communications between iPhone and Android devices remain less secure.
The FBI specifically recommends apps like Signal and WhatsApp, which offer strong encryption protection. The agency also advises using authenticator apps instead of SMS for two-factor authentication and keeping phone operating systems updated automatically.
This recommendation marks a notable shift in the FBI's stance, as the agency previously advocated for law enforcement "back door" access to encrypted communications. However, the scope of these Chinese cyber attacks has prompted the bureau to prioritize public security through strong encryption.
While the hackers primarily collected metadata, the FBI notes that in select instances, they accessed actual content of calls and text messages. The cyber-espionage campaign continues to target U.S. telecom networks, including the CALEA system.
The FBI's warning underscores the growing threats to telecommunications security and the need for Americans to take active steps in protecting their personal communications.