How to encrypt your text messages to protect yourself from cyberattacks

The FBI is warning phone users to encrypt their text messages, especially when sending messages between Apple and Android users.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a statement on November 13 that hackers linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) were targeting “telecommunications infrastructure” as part of a “broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.” aimed.

The hackers targeted “a limited number of individuals primarily involved in government or political activities,” according to the statement, and stole “customer call data” and “certain information that was the subject of U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders.” “

Despite continued investigations by the FBI and CISA, cybersecurity officials were unable to stop the hackers.

Old school check fraud is back:Use these tips to protect your money from scammers

Holiday offers: Shop this season’s top products and special offers, curated by our editors.

Which text messages should be encrypted?

Due to the cyberattack, officials are warning smartphone users not to use text messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal because messages between Apple and Android users are not encrypted.

Messages between two Apple devices are safe and messages between two Android devices are safe, but messages between an Apple device and an Android device are vulnerable.

Here are two SMS apps that use end-to-end encryption. Once you download one of these apps on your smartphone, you can also link it to your desktop computers.

How to encrypt text messages with WhatsApp

To ensure that messages between Apple and Android users are encrypted, you can use the SMS app WhatsApp.

To download the app, Apple users should visit the App Store and Android users should visit the Google Play app and download WhatsApp Messenger. The app can be downloaded and used free of charge.

After downloading the app, you must accept the terms and conditions and grant the app certain permissions such as contacts and notifications.

You then need to select the country where you live and register a phone number that you have. This phone number must be capable of receiving calls and text messages, so it cannot be a landline or toll-free number.

WhatsApp will then give you the option to make a voice call or send a code to the phone number you entered to verify the number.

Once the number is verified, you will need to enter your year of birth and name and click Done. After completing this step, you can start sending SMS messages and calling your contacts via WhatsApp.

To use this app you need WiFi or cellular data.

How to encrypt text messages with Signal

Signal is another encrypted SMS app that ensures messages between Apple and Android users are protected.

To download the app, Apple users should visit the App Store and Android users should visit the Google Play app and download Signal – Private Messenger. The app can be downloaded and used free of charge.

After downloading the app, you must accept the terms and conditions and grant the app certain permissions such as contacts and notifications.

Like WhatsApp, you enter a phone number that you own and can make calls and send and receive text messages.

Signal will text you a verification code that you must enter into the app to verify the phone number. After the number is verified, you create a PIN that allows you to access your information and ensures that your information is encrypted.

Then enter your first and last name to create your Signal profile. After you create your profile, you can text and call via Signal. The app shows you the contacts on your phone who already have the app.

How to encrypt your text messages to protect yourself from cyberattacks

ByAmelia Journalton

By Amelia Journalton

Related Post

Miami Heat make adjustments to starting lineup with Jimmy Butler injured

Two biggest potential trade assets for Pacers revealed

Syracuse Orange Football: What to watch for against Washington State

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You missed

Miami Heat make adjustments to starting lineup with Jimmy Butler injured

Two biggest potential trade assets for Pacers revealed

Syracuse Orange Football: What to watch for against Washington State

The 3 Best NBA Player Prop Bets for Thursday 12/26/24