FBI Suggests Use Of Encrypted Message Applications Amid Large Cyber Attacks From China

The FBI and CISA of the United States appealed to the public to use encrypted messaging applications (photo: x @JoeyRigagan)

JAKARTA The FBI and the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) this week appealed to the public to use encrypted messaging applications such as iMessage and FaceTime to protect themselves from hacking threats by foreign groups. This step is a significant change of attitude from the FBI, which previously demanded Apple open unencrypted access to its messaging app.

The warning comes amid a major cyberattack known as Salt Typhoon, allegedly carried out by China. In a press conference, Jeff Greene, Executive Director of Cybersecurity at CISA, emphasized the importance of encryption to protect data.

"Our recommendation, which we also convey internally, is nothing new: Encryption is your friend, both for text messages and encrypted voice communication," Greene said. Although the data has been tapped by the opponent, if the data is encrypted, it will be impossible to read.

An unnamed FBI official also suggested using iPhone devices, given his ability to quickly receive operating system updates and reliable encryption management.

Widespread Cyber Attack

The FBI and CISA warning was triggered by reports that the Salt Typhoon group managed to infiltrate the US law enforcement network belonging to law enforcement. The group is also suspected of hacking the iPhone belonging to a US presidential campaign official.

"The scale of this attack is so big that it's hard to predict when we can completely expel them," Greene said.

Apps like iMessage, FaceTime, and Google Messages have implemented end-to-end encryption. However, conventional text messages (SMS) are still unencrypted. In addition, communication between iPhone and Android devices using Rich Communication Services (RCS) is also not fully encrypted, as it is still in the development stage between Google and Apple.

With the threat of ever-increasing cyberattacks, the FBI and CISA hope the public can take extra steps to protect their digital communications, including choosing apps that offer better security through encryption.

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