The FBI is reporting that while messaging Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone is secure, messaging from one to the other is not. Now even the FBI and CISA, the US cyber defense agency, are warning Americans to use fully encrypted messaging and phone calls where they can. “Americans should use encrypted apps for all their communications,” according to reports. That means stop sending texts between iPhones and Androids, albeit iMessages and Google Messages are fully encrypted between users on those platforms.”
Listen to the convo on it…
Briefing Doc: Chinese Hackers Target US Telecoms – A Call for Encrypted Communication
Overview:
This briefing doc analyzes the recent cyberattack campaign dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” attributed to Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeting US telecommunications companies. The campaign has raised serious concerns about the security of sensitive data and the vulnerability of traditional text messaging. US officials urge the public to adopt end-to-end encrypted messaging applications for secure communication.
Key Themes:
- Espionage and Data Theft: Salt Typhoon aims to “compromise sensitive data and engage in cyber espionage,” according to the FBI. The hackers have already stolen significant amounts of data and phone intercepts, with the potential for compromising classified information.
- Vulnerability of Telecom Networks: The attack highlights the vulnerability of major US telecom networks, raising concerns about the ability to protect user data and communications.
- Importance of Encryption: The FBI and CISA strongly recommend using end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling apps to safeguard communications. This advice stems from the inherent insecurity of traditional SMS/MMS messaging, especially between iPhones and Android devices.
Important Facts:
- Attack Attribution: The FBI and CISA attribute Salt Typhoon to Chinese state-sponsored actors.
- Targeted Companies: Major telecom providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have been targeted.
- Data Compromised: Metadata, call intercepts, and potentially classified information have been accessed by the hackers.
- Ongoing Threat: The attack is ongoing, with officials unsure when the hackers will be evicted from the networks.
Key Quotes:
- Senator Mark Warner: “This is an ongoing effort by China to infiltrate telecom systems around the world, to exfiltrate huge amounts of data.”
- FBI Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran: “Threat actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are targeting commercial telecommunications providers to compromise sensitive data and engage in cyber espionage.”
- CISA Executive Assistant Director Jeff Greene: “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.”
FBI Warns iPhone And Android Users—Stop Sending Textshttps://t.co/lL8ipbMCX1
— Shermichael Singleton (@MrShermichael) December 4, 2024
Recommendations:
- Adopt Encrypted Messaging: Immediately switch to end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp for all sensitive communications.
- Limit SMS/MMS Usage: Minimize the use of traditional text messaging, especially for sensitive information.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates from official sources like the FBI and CISA regarding the evolving situation.
Conclusion:
The Salt Typhoon campaign represents a significant cybersecurity threat, underscoring the need for robust encryption and increased awareness of communication vulnerabilities. By adopting recommended security measures, individuals can mitigate risks and protect their sensitive data.
Cybersecurity agencies have issued an urgent advisory to counter Salt Typhoon, a China-linked group infiltrating U.S. telecom networks for sensitive data.
Dive into the full story: https://t.co/7RuesDbp91#cybersecurity #hacking
— The Hacker News (@TheHackersNews) December 4, 2024
CNN Panel Loses It as Jennings Dismantles Their Anti-Trump Propaganda
“The January 6th committee demanded that I betray Donald J. Trump to save my own skin. I REFUSED.”- Trump appointed Peter Navarro to be his top trade advisor
President Trump has Dr. Jay Bhattacharya And Tasked Him With Cleaning Up the NIH (Fauci’s Corrupt Agency) Under RFK Jr
