The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to iPhone and Android users, cautioning against the use of unencrypted text messages due to increasing cybersecurity risks. This advisory aligns with proposed new regulations and heightened efforts by US authorities to encourage the adoption of secure communication practices.
Despite Apple’s recent adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS), messaging between Android and iPhone users remains vulnerable as these messages are not fully encrypted. Messages within the same platform, however, continue to offer end-to-end encryption.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over cyberattacks, with reports indicating that such threats are more pervasive and impactful than previously anticipated. Notably, recent cyber espionage incidents, such as those linked to Salt Typhoon, have highlighted vulnerabilities in the US communication infrastructure. Hackers associated with foreign entities, including China, have reportedly breached several telecom networks to facilitate cyber operations.
The FBI, alongside the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is urging the public to prioritize encrypted messaging services and secure phone communication to mitigate these risks.
An FBI official described the cyber breaches as part of a broader espionage campaign, with investigations revealing extensive compromises in telecom networks starting earlier this year. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta are also advocating for more robust encryption solutions to safeguard user privacy.
