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Published on December 31, 2024
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued a warning that iPhone and Android users should begin using encrypted messaging apps to protect the privacy of their communications from foreign hackers. The FBI issued this warning after Salt Typhoon – a Chinese hacking group – infiltrated American networks and began collecting data from phone calls and text messages. Instead of relying on insecure SMS platforms, the FBI recommends using encrypted messaging apps to reduce the chances of communications being intercepted by Chinese hackers.
Continue reading to learn more about the FBI’s warning, what end-to-end encrypted messaging is and which apps you should use to protect your data.
What to know about the FBI’s warning to iPhone and Android users
Here are some of the most important takeaways from the FBI’s warning to iPhone and Android users:
- Hackers associated with the Chinese government are accessing telecom networks, including Verizon and AT&T, to spy on communications via phone calls and text messages.
- American citizens should avoid using unencrypted messaging platforms to communicate between iOS and Android.
- To avoid jeopardizing their privacy, iPhone and Android users should use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app to defend themselves against data breaches.
What is end-to-end encrypted messaging?
End-to-end encrypted messaging protects data transmitted from one device to another. Encryption works by converting a message from a readable format into ciphertext, which is made up of blocks of unique characters that are unreadable to human beings and machines. After messages are encrypted and sent, the only way someone else can read them is if they have the encryption key. Instead of a third party or service provider being able to read any messages, end-to-end encryption ensures only the intended recipient can decrypt the data.
To better understand end-to-end encryption, let’s pretend Albert is trying to send Betty an end-to-end encrypted message. The messaging app will save a public encryption key on Albert’s and Betty’s devices. If Albert sends an encrypted message to Betty on the app, Betty’s phone will apply a private encryption key to decrypt the message, which means only Betty will be able to view Albert’s message. End-to-end encrypted messaging is the strongest way to communicate via text messages without privacy risks, which is why the FBI recommends using encrypted messaging apps for utmost protection. Since hackers cannot decrypt stolen data with end-to-end encryption, using secure messaging apps reduces how much of a user’s privacy is invaded.
End-to-end encrypted messaging apps to use
Although iMessage utilizes end-to-end encryption and Android users can enable end-to-end encryption on Google Messages, the FBI recommends that iPhone and Android users rely on other messaging platforms when communicating with each other. Two messaging apps that use end-to-end encryption are KeeperChat and WhatsApp.
KeeperChat
A messaging platform that utilizes end-to-end encryption is KeeperChat. If you have a personal plan with Keeper Password Manager, you can use this feature for free. KeeperChat allows you to send private, encrypted messages to your friends, family members and coworkers. With KeeperChat, you can send end-to-end encrypted messages from any device, including your smartphone, tablet and computer. If you send a message by accident, you can retract it and even set a self-destruct timer on sensitive messages, which will disappear completely from both your device and the recipient’s device.
You can also send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages using WhatsApp. On WhatsApp, you can communicate with someone else with end-to-end encryption, ensuring no one else can read what’s sent besides the sender and recipient – not even WhatsApp. With WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, you don’t have to enable special settings to ensure messages are encrypted since this is an automatic feature of the app. For users who already have WhatsApp downloaded, this built-in end-to-end encryption is an added benefit of using the messaging platform.
Keep your private messages protected with end-to-end encryption
If the FBI’s recent warning to iPhone and Android users made you nervous about your privacy being invaded, you should start using a messaging app that incorporates end-to-end encryption. Remember that the FBI’s main concern with its warning is not how safe it is to message between iPhones or between Androids but rather communicating from one type of device to another. For end-to-end encrypted messaging, rely on KeeperChat to protect your communications from being intercepted and revealed to hackers.
Download KeeperChat today to start using the most secure messaging app for all your devices.
