In response to a major cyberattack by the Chinese-affiliated hacking campaign, Salt Typhoon, which compromised the big telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, and was described by experts as one of the largest breaches in the infrastructure of the U.S., the U.S. government is calling for increased prudence over texting. According to recommendations made by CISA, the FBI, and other agencies, the American public needs to employ end-to-end encryption when communicating.
This end-to-end encryption only allows the sender and receiver to read the messages and not hackers or even the service providers. Popular messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Signal already have this advanced feature, making them a preference over SMS, which has no such encryption.
Why End-to-End Encryption Matters
End-to-end encryption creates a secure communication channel by encrypting data as it travels between devices. Only the intended recipient has the key to decrypt messages. Apps like Signal and WhatsApp excel in this regard, ensuring no third party—including the app provider—can access the content.
However, not all messaging apps protect similarly. In fact, though iMessage from Apple encrypts a message, those same words sent over SMS or MMS to non-iPhones are not. Then again, the Messages app on Google secures messages within RCS-enabled chats, but not if exchanged between users on platforms such as Apple.
What to Look for in Secure Messaging
Experts recommend choosing apps with encryption as the default setting. Some of the most popular ones are WhatsApp, which is widely used globally, and Signal, which is one of the top choices because of its strict privacy policies. Premium options exist, such as Threema, but adoption can be difficult because of costs and limited user bases.
Encrypted apps do have limitations. If your device is compromised, encryption won’t stop hackers. Regular software updates and vigilance are crucial for securing your communication.
In a digital landscape filled with risks, end-to-end encryption is no longer optional—it’s essential. Be proactive in choosing platforms that prioritize your privacy.
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