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A hacker attack has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the US, with suspicions of espionage by China. The FBI is now recommending the use of encrypted apps, such as WhatsApp, to protect messages and calls.
Experts urge increased attention to security updates and multifactor authentication. Understand why digital privacy is more important than ever.
A cyber attack of alarming proportions has put the digital security of American citizens at risk and raised the alarm in institutions such as the FBI and the White House.
The target was no less than eight major US telecommunications operators, attacked by Chinese hackers in an operation that reportedly lasted almost two years.
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The revelation not only exposed vulnerabilities in the system, but also raised concerns about the privacy of millions of people. So why do authorities suggest that WhatsApp may be your best defense?
The attack that worried the US
The White House revealed in a press conference held on December 4 that a hacker group known as Salt Typhoon, allegedly linked to China, hacked into US telecom carriers in a systematic and persistent attack.
The action compromised telecommunications metadata, with suspicions that even political figures may have had information accessed.
Although classified communications were protected, fears that sensitive data of ordinary users had been intercepted prompted the government to redouble its warnings.
Anne Neuberger, deputy U.S. security adviser, stressed that the full extent of the attack has not yet been confirmed, leaving doubts as to whether the action was completely neutralized.
FBI changes its stance on encryption
Interestingly, the FBI, which has historically taken a critical stance on encryption as a hindrance to investigations, now strongly recommends the use of this technology as a protective measure.
At a conference with American journalists on December 2, a senior official from the agency, alongside Jeff Greene, deputy executive director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), advocated that citizens prioritize encrypted applications such as WhatsApp, iMessage and Signal.
“Even if someone tries to intercept the information, it will be encrypted and impossible to decipher,” Greene explained.
The FBI also reinforced the importance of regular updates on devices and the use of multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security.
What is encryption and how does it protect your messages?
Encryption acts as a digital barrier, encoding information so that only those involved in the exchange can access it.
In the event of an interception attempt, the data remains indecipherable to attackers.
Popular apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and native messaging systems like iMessage (on iOS) and the Google Messaging (do not Android) use this technology.
Additionally, in the Apple ecosystem, calls made via FaceTime also have encrypted protection.
However, the situation is different on Android. Google's system does not offer the same protection for voice calls by default, although text messages are protected.
Therefore, experts recommend that users look for additional tools to increase the security of their communications.
Contradictions and changes of position in the FBI
The FBI's new guidance has drawn attention precisely because of its change in stance on encryption.
For years, the agency has lobbied big tech companies to create a type of encryption that can be “cracked” by law enforcement, allowing them to investigate suspects.
However, this proposal generated controversy, as opening exceptions would put the privacy of all users at risk.
Now, with cyber threats escalating and the potential exploitation of these vulnerabilities by foreign nations like China, the FBI appears to have adopted a more pragmatic tone, putting citizen protection first.
How to protect your communication
Given this scenario of digital insecurity, following the advice of experts can make all the difference. Some of the main measures include:
- Use apps with end-to-end encryption: WhatsApp and Signal are the most recommended options to ensure that messages and calls remain secure.
- Keep devices up to date: Software updates often fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: This feature adds a second layer of verification, making it harder to access your accounts even if your password is compromised.
- Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks: These networks are often exploited by hackers to intercept communications.
The importance of digital surveillance
This episode serves as a stark reminder that digital security is a shared responsibility between governments, technology companies, and citizens.
While advances like encryption are essential, only the combination of technology and good security practices can truly protect personal data in an increasingly connected world.
Do you already adopt digital security measures in your communications or do you only trust the protection offered by apps? Share in the comments!
