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BumRushDaShow

(144,282 posts) Wed Dec 4, 2024, 03:46 AM Dec 4

U.S. officials urge Americans to use encrypted apps amid unprecedented cyberattack [View all]

Source: NBC News

Dec. 3, 2024, 4:01 PM EST

Amid an unprecedented cyberattack on telecommunications companies such as AT&T and Verizon, U.S. officials have recommended that Americans use encrypted messaging apps to ensure their communications stay hidden from foreign hackers.

The hacking campaign, nicknamed Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, is one of the largest intelligence compromises in U.S. history, and it has not yet been fully remediated. Officials on a news call Tuesday refused to set a timetable for declaring the country’s telecommunications systems free of interlopers. Officials had told NBC News that China hacked AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies to spy on customers.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the call Tuesday, two officials — a senior FBI official who asked not to be named and Jeff Greene, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — both recommended using encrypted messaging apps to Americans who want to minimize the chances of China’s intercepting their communications.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/us-officials-urge-americans-use-encrypted-apps-cyberattack-rcna182694

29 replies

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U.S. officials urge Americans to use encrypted apps amid unprecedented cyberattack [View all] BumRushDaShow Dec 4 OP

OK ReRe Dec 4 #1

I hear you. SamKnause Dec 4 #2

Express VPN Windy Apple Dec 4 #3

VPN? ReRe Dec 4 #6

All set !! Windy Apple Dec 4 #8

All right, all right, all right!!! ReRe Dec 4 #10

Try this Windy Apple Dec 4 #4

From the article, eg WhatsApp or Signal muriel_volestrangler Dec 4 #5

Those apps Windy Apple Dec 4 #9

VPNs only encrypt all traffic *between the VPN endpoints*. For this security issue, you'll want a secure messaging app. sl8 Dec 4 #22

So... Windy Apple Dec 4 #29

Supposedly Apple's and Android's default messages apps are encrypted BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #7

Android to Apple is not encrypted. Basso8vb Dec 4 #26

I have been going through the SMS/RCS migration nightmare BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #27

Signal is free and serious. But the people you text also need to use it for real encryption. I think ProtonMail LauraInLA Dec 4 #24

The other day rambler_american Dec 4 #11

I know, right? tanyev Dec 4 #12

They could cover your groceries with MSG. JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 4 #13

Robohacking now thanks to AI Ponietz Dec 4 #14

Does China know I had a Walmart food delivery at 8pm last night? milestogo Dec 4 #15

My samsung phone did this with an automatic update. Jacson6 Dec 4 #16

I think this is aimed at government and business folks with sensitive info. usonian Dec 4 #17

That's what I was thinking but also to anyone involved in an election campaign BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #18

Since the trigger for this notice is the continuing (!) Chinese hack of telcos. I think it's aimed at business and govt. usonian Dec 4 #19

"I think it's aimed at business and govt." BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #20

Yup, I blew past 14,000 without noticing. usonian Dec 4 #21

The BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #23

I think there could actually be identity theft implications for everyone, though. When I think about some LauraInLA Dec 4 #25

Well, if they hack into anything I write they're going to be mighty, mighty bored. Vinca Dec 4 #28