FBI Issues Alert Over Massive Cyberattack on U.S. Telecoms, Advises Encrypted Messaging for Safety

The FBI has issued a dire warning as the United States faces one of its most significant intelligence breaches.

A sophisticated cyberattack has targeted significant telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon, raising alarms about the security of traditional text messaging. In response, officials urge Americans to adopt encrypted messaging apps to protect their communications from prying eyes.

Microsoft’s hacking campaign, codenamed “Salt Typhoon,” has successfully infiltrated eight major telecommunications and infrastructure firms nationwide. This breach has left millions of users vulnerable, and experts advise immediate action to safeguard personal data.

WhatsApp is one platform that allows you to send encrypted messages (Picture: Getty)

Jeff Greene, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), emphasised the need for encryption. Speaking to NBC, Greene said, “Encryption is your friend, whether for text messaging or encrypted voice communication. Even if an adversary intercepts the data, encryption makes it impossible to access.”

A senior FBI official, who spoke anonymously, echoed Greene’s sentiments and offered additional security recommendations. “Using a mobile device that automatically receives operating system updates, supports strong encryption, and enables phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication can go a long way in protecting your communications,” the official explained.

Encrypted messaging platforms such as iMessage, Google Messages, WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram’s “secret chats” are designed to keep data secure. These services rely on technology that scrambles information into unreadable text, which can only be decrypted by the intended recipient. This added layer of security ensures that even if a hacker intercepts the data, it remains inaccessible without the decryption key.

US officials have recommended Americans use encrypted messaging apps (Picture: Getty)

The scale of the breach has revealed alarming details. Hackers have accessed call metadata, including records of phone numbers and call times, focusing mainly on the Washington, D.C., area. The FBI does not plan to notify individuals whose data has been compromised.

Some live phone calls were intercepted, though officials declined to disclose how many. Perhaps most concerning is the breach of systems used under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), designed to help law enforcement track communications with court authorisation.

In light of these revelations, federal officials’ message is clear: traditional text messaging is no longer a secure option. Americans are being encouraged to switch to encrypted messaging apps to protect their privacy and mitigate the risks posed by this unprecedented cyberattack. The urgency of this advice underscores the critical need for stronger digital security practices in an increasingly interconnected world.