The FBI and a leading federal cybersecurity agency are warning Android and iPhone users to stop sending unencrypted texts to users of the other operating system. The Salt Typhoon hack, conducted by actors in China, targeted telecom firms and accessed call records, live phone calls, and systems used to handle court orders.
Apple’s iPhones and Google’s Android smartphones have encryption for internal messaging, but messages between Android and iPhone users aren’t encrypted. Experts recommend using encrypted messaging systems, such as those provided by the FBI or other reputable sources.
Cybersecurity officials emphasize that encryption is a crucial tool for protecting mobile device communications. They also advise considering the use of devices with timely operating system updates, responsible encryption, and phishing-resistant security tools like multifactor authentication.
Major global telecommunications providers were compromised by PRC-affiliated threat actors in the Salt Typhoon breach. The affected agencies include the FBI, CISA, NSA, and those from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. A guide for network engineers has been released to help harden networks against exploitation by malicious cyber actors.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/fbi-warns-texts-between-android-iphone-users-pose-cyber-risk