Happy Friday!
2 days ago, CISA (a branch of Homeland Security) posted a very comprehensive guide on security hardening telecommunications infrastructure. It came across my desk and I didn't think too much of it... until yesterday when Forbes headlined an article urging us to stop sending text messages. Why you ask? It turns out that Chinese hacking of our cell phone networks is worse than they thought. According to the FBI ,their investigations into "the PRC targeting commercial telecom infrastructure has revealed a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.” In short, since the FBI began its investigation in the Spring, they've discovered that these nation state actors have burrowed deep into multiple telecom companies such as AT&T and Verizon, and granted the Chinese government all kinds of access, specifically your text messages.
But don't panic! Keep reading, I have your solutions below.
The Takeaway
The FBI is urging the public to:
1) Make sure you install operating system updates to your Apple or Android device as soon as they come in.
2) Use encrypted communications platforms for messaging.
Okay, I know that option 1 is pretty easy but what does using encrypted communications for messaging mean? Here's how it works:
* If one iPhone messages another iPhone, it uses Apple's iMessage to deliver the message, and that's encrypted.
* If one Android phone messages another Android phone, it uses Google Messages, and that's also encrypted. * However, if an iPhone sends a message to and Android phone or vice versa, then that message is transmitted by SMS, which is not encrypted, and thus potentially visible by Chinese nation state hackers.
There are also other encrypted messaging apps out there that you can use to message coworkers, friends and family. The top 3 are:
1) Facebook Messenger 2) WhatsApp
3) Signal
Ironically, Apple’s is releasing iOS 18.2 this month, and it has the option of allowing iPhone users to change the default messenger on their device away from iMessage. This update could not come at a better time.
A Senate Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing on December 11 regarding the extent of China's hacking and presumably find ways to assure Americans over the matter. You can bet that we'll be watching how this unfolds.
Stay safe out there.
-Attila PS. If you think that this email might be helpful to a friend, family member, client or co-worker, feel free to pass it along. Thank you for your continued support of Cypac's mission.
Thank you for helping us accelerate humanity toward a safer, more secure high-tech future.
New Friday Funnies
Why does anyone still have a landline?
To find their cell phone when it goes missing.
The guy who invented auto-correct for smart phones passed away today.
Restaurant in peace.
Comentarios