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Should you ditch unencrypted messaging apps? Here's what the experts say about the FBI's warning
- The FBI has advised Americans to use encrypted messaging apps to keep their mobile communications secure. This comes in response to the Salt Typhoon, a group linked to China, using a new backdoor malware to hack network operators including AT&T and Verizon, spying on the activity of their customers. WhatsApp, Signal and Facebook Messenger all offer end-to-end encryption, adding an important layer of security to digital conversations. However, end-to-end encryption is not the total solution as the key to the encrypted messages is held on the device, which can be accessible by anyone.
- Cyberattacks have become rampant with hackers exploiting backdoors that are meant to allow law enforcement agencies to obtain communication data from suspected criminals. Privacy experts have long advocated for wider use of encrypted communication systems especially with heavily targeted industries such as government agencies and political figures. Regular SMS messages aren't encrypted while encrypted messages are secure, only as far as the device receiving them is protected.
- According to the FBI, once hackers have compromised networks, they were able to deploy further malware and gather information, including the contents of phone calls and text messages. Encrypted messages cannot be read or intercepted, making it impossible for even adversaries to gain access to important information. However, cybersecurity experts have long warned that any backdoor access, even if put in place with good intentions, is at risk of being used for nefarious purposes.
- Greg Nojeim, Senior Counsel and Director of the Security and Surveillance Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, has commented that if anti-encryption advocates had their way, the United States would be defenseless to this type of mass snooping from a foreign power. While end-to-end encryption is important, it isn’t the complete solution that the FBI seems to suggest.
- It is recommended to use end-to-end encrypted messaging services like Signal, FaceTime or Messages. End-to-end encryption ensures that your data is scrambled into a form that's unreadable if accessed by a third-party and the contents can only be unscrambled with the key - only known to the sender and receiver. SMS and RCS are unencrypted messaging protocols, which can be easily read if intercepted by cybercriminals. To ensure privacy, you can use the best password generators to help you choose a strong password.
- It's also important to secure personal devices, including keeping them updated with the latest software versions and ensuring the use of a strong password. For added security, users can consider using two-factor authentication to strengthen critical internet accounts.
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