Originally published on 12/6/24

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the US Cyber Defense Agency recently announced that people should be more cautious when it comes to texting between iPhones and Androids, saying that foreign countries are hacking into people’s phones and stealing their information. 

The hacking campaign targeted cell phone providers like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies and is unofficially called Salt Typhoon by Microsoft.

Various intelligence agencies claim China was the one behind the issue. However, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said, “China firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks.”

“Within the investigative activity, especially one this significant and this large, the facts will evolve over time… The continued investigation into the PRC targeting commercial telecom infrastructure has revealed a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign,” an FBI official said.  “[We’ve] identified that PRC-affiliated cyber actors have compromised networks of multiple telecom companies to enable multiple activities.” 

This comes after Apple introduced Rich Communication Services (RCS) to its text messaging channels with the release of iOS 18. While the company still relies onb its proprietary iMessage system, the update bridges the gap between iPhones and Androids. The tech company hoped to eliminate the use of WhatsApp, which allows people to send encrypted messages regardless of their phone’s model. 

What to do if you want to text 

If you frequently text someone with a different device than you and are worried about your safety, don’t be! There are ways around cyber attacks, as detailed to NBC News by two undisclosed FBI officials and officials Jeff Greene, the executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

“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,” Greene said. “Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible.” 

One of the unnamed FBI officials added to that by saying, “People looking to further protect their mobile device communications would benefit from considering using a cellphone that automatically receives timely operating system updates, responsibly managed encryption and phishing resistant.” 

How to protect your information going forward 

Going forward, you can protect your data including updating your devices, encrypting your phone and using encrypted messaging apps. 

Make sure to update your devices quite regularly

According to one FBI agent, the best thing to do is ensure your devices are up to date. 

“Using a cell phone that automatically receives timely operating system updates, responsibly managed encryption and phishing-resistant MFA for email, social media and collaboration tool accounts,” they said. 

You can do this by staying up to date with technology news and installing every update possible. 

How to encrypt your phone

Encrypting your phone can sound quite scary, but it’s actually quite simple. For most devices, you can go to your settings and then click on security. There should be a section that says something like “encrypt device.” Then, follow the steps prompted on your screen, and you should be good to go. 

Encrypted messaging apps 

Aside from encrypting your phones, there are quite a few various messaging apps that you can use, which is something Greene recommends, saying that you should “use your encrypted communications where you have it.” 

Encrypted messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger and Instagram Messenger, are all protected. Other options include Signal, Telegram, Element and Brosix.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/news/fbi-warns-about-texting-between-iphones-androids-what-to-do