Current:Home > reviewsWhich apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning -AssetVision
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
View
Date:2025-04-16 07:13:58
Federal authorities announced hackers in China have stolen "customer call records data" of an unknown number of Americans, but encrypted messaging could be the first line of defense for people in the U.S. to secure their communications amid this cyber threat.
The "cyber espionage campaign" was announced by the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in mid-November. The agencies identified that the China-affiliated hackers "compromised networks at multiple telecommunications companies" to enable the theft of customer call records, according to FBI and CISA's release.
In November, the agencies said the hackers compromised "a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity," the release reads.
Last week, the agencies published a joint guide to better protect U.S. citizens from being compromised by the campaign. In the guide titled "Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure, the agencies suggest end-to-end encryption as a solution.
“The PRC-affiliated cyber activity poses a serious threat to critical infrastructure, government agencies, and businesses," Jeff Greene, CISA executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said in a Dec. 3 news release. “Along with our US and international partners, we urge software manufacturers to incorporate Secure by Design principles into their development lifecycle to strengthen the security posture of their customers."
Holiday deals:Shop this season’s top products and sales curated by our editors.
Here is how to switch to encrypted messaging and what applications offer this feature.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is a "security method that keeps your communications secure," according to Google.
"With end-to-end encryption, no one, including Google and third parties, can read eligible messages as they travel between your phone and the phone you message," according to the tech company.
What applications offer end-to-end encrypted messages?
In addition to Google, several other applications offer encrypted features, including Signal and Meta-owned WhatsApp.
"Signal is the easiest and works out of the box by default for everyone. WhatsApp is fine but collects more metadata,” Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told the Washington Post.
Apple's iMessage is also end-to-end encrypted, according to the company.
"There’s no way for Apple to decrypt the content of your conversations when they are in transit between devices," the company's message and privacy policy states.
Other messengers such as Telegram, Session, Briar and Threema all offer end-to-end encrypted messaging. Facebook's Messenger app is also end-to-end encrypted, a feature that became default last year.
How to switch to end-to-end encrypted messaging
The best way to switch to end-to-end encrypted messaging is to begin using applications that support it, including WhatsApp, iMessage and Signal.
Also, before users send messages, they have to know that if someone screenshots or shares what they said or sent, then encryption features won't help them. This includes sending direct messages on X, TikTok, or even Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Some applications, like Signal, have the option of disappearing messages. This can wipe conversations or messages clear once they are opened. On Apple devices, users can set all messages to only be saved for a set amount of time, such as a month or a week.
Multi-factor authentication can also be used for sensitive accounts rather than just using a password to log in. This acts as extra security for those accounts.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data
- Turning dusty attic treasures into cash can yield millions for some and disappointment for others
- Secretly recorded videos are backbone of corruption trial for longest
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- 'Mary': How to stream, what biblical experts think about Netflix's new coming
- China says Philippines has 'provoked trouble' in South China Sea with US backing
- Gen Z is 'doom spending' its way through the holidays. What does that mean?
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Sabrina Carpenter Shares Her Self
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Luigi Mangione Case: Why McDonald's Employee Who Reported Him Might Not Get $60,000 Reward
- Beyoncé takes home first award in country music category at 2024 Billboard Music Awards
- Billboard Music Awards 2024: Complete winners list, including Taylor Swift's historic night
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot
- ParkMobile $32.8 million settlement: How to join class
- New Jersey targets plastic packaging that fills landfills and pollutes
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
The Sundance Film Festival unveils its lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Questlove and more
Secretly recorded videos are backbone of corruption trial for longest
Luigi Mangione merchandise raises controversy, claims of glorifying violence
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
'Mary': How to stream, what biblical experts think about Netflix's new coming
'The Voice' Season 26 finale: Coach Michael Bublé scores victory with Sofronio Vasquez
Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data