FBI and CISA officials said it was impossible to predict when the telecommunications companies would be fully safe from interlopers.

Summary

U.S. officials are urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp after a massive cyberespionage campaign, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” targeted telecom giants AT&T, Verizon, and others.

Linked to Chinese hackers, the attack compromised call metadata, live phone calls, and sensitive surveillance systems used by law enforcement.

Officials warn the breach is unresolved and emphasize encryption to safeguard communications.

The hack is seen as a major intelligence-gathering effort rather than election interference.

  • mox@lemmy.sdf.org
    4·
    19 days ago
    • Drops messages if they’re not picked up within (by default) 21 days.
    • Can’t use one account on multiple independent devices.
    • Adding contacts requires copy/paste of a large link or QR code; can’t just tell them a short address over the phone.
    • No group calls.
    • Venture capital funding makes its future uncertain.

    Last time I investigated it was a few months ago; it’s possible that it might have made some improvements since then.