US urges encrypted apps after cyberattack exposes live calls

In response to a series of significant cyberattacks, notably attributed to the Chinese hacking group "Salt Typhoon," the FBI has advised Americans to adopt encrypted messaging applications to protect their communications from foreign hackers. 

A significant cyber intrusion has compromised major U.S. telecommunications networks, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, exposing critical vulnerabilities in standard text messaging systems. Sources suggest China may have orchestrated the attack, aiming to surveil American telecommunications customers.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the allegations. In an email to NBC News, a spokesperson stated, "China firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyberattacks."

Labeled "Salt Typhoon" by Microsoft, the breach is considered one of the most significant intelligence leaks in U.S. history. Officials acknowledge the breach remains unresolved and have refrained from offering a timeline for securing the affected systems. According to the FBI, hackers exploited compromised systems to access three types of information.

The first type is call metadata—records of phone numbers dialed and the timing of those calls. Hackers focused heavily on records from the Washington, D.C., area. Despite this, the FBI does not plan to notify affected individuals.

The second type is live phone calls of specific targets. While the FBI has not revealed how many individuals have been alerted, figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed in October that they had been informed of being targets.

The third involves systems under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). These systems enable law enforcement to monitor communications with proper court orders. Some handle classified orders from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

While the FBI has not confirmed whether classified materials were accessed, the breach underscores significant vulnerabilities in national telecommunications systems. The recent cyberattack has underscored the importance of strong digital security in an increasingly interconnected world. As officials and tech companies work together to address emerging risks, individuals play a crucial role in safeguarding their own digital privacy.