Phone calls and text messages are not safe from Chinese hackers, U.S government tells officials and people to do this
Chinese hackers specifically a group known as ‘Salt Typhoon’, reported Reuters.
According to Reuters, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued guidance while recommending the use of end-to-end encrypted communication methods which are available in renowned apps like WhatsApp, iMessage and Signal. On the other hand, regular phone communications are not actually encrypted and can be intercepted by telecom companies, law enforcement or hackers.
The Salt Typhoon hackers have reportedly compromised at least eight telecommunications firms in the US while leading to significant data breaches. A senior US official described these incidents as potentially the largest telecommunications hack in US history, asserted Reuters.
Executive assistant director for cybersecurity in the CISA eventually emphasized on the need for ongoing vigilance against such threats while noting that this activity is part of a broader pattern of Chinese cyber operations targeting severely critical infrastructure.
At the same time eminent experts have welcomed the recommendations for CISA but eventually expressed concerns about the implications for the telecom industry, noted Reuters. Adding onto that, another security measures which are suggested includes avoiding text messages for sensitive transactions and utilizing hardware keys to prevent phishing attacks.
Strategy
Succession Planning Masterclass
By — Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd.
Office Productivity
Mastering Microsoft
