FBI advises U.S. smartphone users to avoid standard text messaging due to security risks

The FBI and CISA are advising U.S. citizens to use encrypted messaging and calls due to ongoing cyberattacks linked to a Chinese hacking group. They emphasize that while messaging between the same platforms is secure, cross-platform messaging lacks full encryption. Officials recommend avoiding standard text messaging between iPhones and Androids. They highlight that only iMessages and Google Messages are fully encrypted within their respective platforms, leaving other methods vulnerable to interception. The lack of end-to-end encryption in RCS, the new messaging standard, is a concern. While Google and Apple promote encryption, RCS currently does not support it for cross-platform communication, prompting officials to suggest using apps like WhatsApp or Signal for secure messaging.