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Tech Tip: Safeguarding Your Messages with Encryption

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Tech Tip: Safeguarding Your Messages with Encryption

LONDON — Following a significant hacking initiative that compromised the communications of an undisclosed number of individuals in the U.S., cybersecurity experts are urging citizens to prioritize encrypted communication.

To mitigate the risks exposed by this campaign, which reportedly originated from China, federal cybersecurity officials have provided an extensive array of security recommendations aimed at U.S. telecom companies such as Verizon and AT&T, who were among those targeted. One crucial piece of advice that individuals can easily follow is to “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.”

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that the content of messages is concealed so that only the sender and the intended recipient have access to the information. If a third party happens to intercept the communication, they will only come across a scrambled message that cannot be deciphered without the correct decryption key.

Previously, law enforcement had been hesitant to endorse this form of encryption because it prevents tech companies from accessing message contents and limits their ability to comply with law enforcement requests for data.

For everyday users, there are multiple methods to utilize end-to-end encryption in their communications. **Texting** is one area where decrypted messages are commonly used. Cybersecurity officials indicated that the hackers managed to obtain the metadata for a significant number of consumers, which encompasses the timing and recipients of calls and messages, along with the content of some texts from a smaller group of individuals.

Apple users communicating with one another through iMessage will have their messages encrypted automatically if both parties are using iPhones; look for the blue text bubbles as a sign. Likewise, Android users utilizing Google Messages can see a lock icon next to the timestamp indicating active encryption.

However, mixing messages between iPhone and Android users poses a challenge; messages are only secured through Rich Communication Services (RCS). Apple has specifically stated that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, making them vulnerable to interception during transmission.” Similarly, Samsung has also acknowledged this limitation in a recent press release regarding RCS.

**Chat Applications** can offer better security options. Experts recommend secure messaging apps for those concerned about privacy. Signal is a highly regarded choice in this arena, providing end-to-end encryption for all messages and voice communications. The organization behind Signal guarantees that it will not sell or lease personal data and has made its source code publicly available for comprehensive security audits.

Signal’s encryption is so trusted that it has been adopted by WhatsApp, ensuring that users receive top-level security protections. Facebook Messenger, also owned by Meta Platforms, has made end-to-end encryption its default mode as well.

What about **Telegram**? This app facilitates various types of communication, including one-on-one conversations and group chats, but it does not provide end-to-end encryption by default. Users must manually enable this feature, and it isn’t available for standard group interactions. Cybersecurity analysts have advised against using Telegram for private discussions, noting that only its ‘secret chat’ feature offers true end-to-end encryption. Telegram also has gained notoriety for serving as a haven for fraudulent activities.

When it comes to **making calls**, options like Signal and WhatsApp allow users to make voice calls that are encrypted using the same methods as their messaging functions. iPhone users can opt for FaceTime, while Android users have the Google Fi service, both of which also provide end-to-end encryption. It is important to note that the person on the other end of the call must have the same app for these encrypted services to function.

Moreover, users of WhatsApp and Signal can adjust privacy settings to enhance their protection, including options to conceal their IP addresses during calls to obscure their general location.