Phone calls and text messages might not be as private as you think. US officials are now urging everyone to switch to encrypted apps to protect their personal communications. We’ll cover why the new recommendations are so sudden and what this means for you as we sit down and sync up with Rocket IT’s weekly technology update.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• Why phone calls and text messages may not be private.
• US officials recommending encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp.
• Why the hacking group Salt Typhoon targeted major telecom providers.
• How long these breaches have been going on.
• Data that hackers have accessed.
• New rules proposed by the FCC requiring telecom companies to secure networks.

Video Transcript

Recent revelations have exposed vulnerabilities in US telecommunication networks. A cyberattack, tied to the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, targeted major telecom companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. These breaches began surfacing in October 2023, when reports revealed hackers had already gained access to sensitive data for over a year.

Now, the FBI and CISA have confirmed the attack is still ongoing, with hackers accessing call records, live calls, and unencrypted text messages. And, because of how widespread this breach is, it’s difficult to predict when it’ll be safe to fully trust these networks.

In turn, the FBI and CISA are urging the public to use encrypted apps, such as Signal and WhatsApp. These apps offer end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can see the content. Even if hackers intercept your communication, the encryption makes it unreadable to them.

However, this endorsement comes with irony. Agencies like the FBI have historically resisted widespread use of encryption, arguing it could hinder investigations. The sudden promotion of these tools highlights the severity of the current threat.

In response to these threats, the FCC has also proposed new rules requiring telecom providers to secure their networks from unauthorized access and submit annual certifications confirming they’ve implemented robust cybersecurity measures. If adopted, these rules could take effect immediately.

Regardless of the potential regulations place on these carriers, switching to encrypted apps is a critical step, especially for sensitive communications.

That said, encryption alone isn’t enough. Maintaining strong cybersecurity habits, like unique passwords and two-factor authentication, can further protect your information.

For businesses, this situation highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Partnering with an experienced IT provider, like Rocket IT, can help secure communications, implement encryption policies, and monitor networks for potential threats. For help keeping your business ahead of evolving cyber risks, contact us using the link in this video’s description. And to stay up to date on trending technology news, hit that subscribe button and the bell to catch us on next week’s episode of Sync Up with Rocket IT.