In response to what officials are calling one of the largest intelligence compromises in U.S. history, the FBI is urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Signal.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, Chinese cyber criminals are behind this act of cyber espionage, nicknamed Salt Typhoon. The cyber criminals reportedly hacked T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies to spy on customers and obtain information.

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The extent of what is being described as a sprawling attack is still under investigation. Officials have noted that sending texts between iPhones and Androids is particularly vulnerable.

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Cybercriminals are not only accessing texts but also call records, including numbers called and the timing of calls, and even tapping into phone calls themselves. “If it’s not an encrypted phone call, they can actually hear what you’re saying,” said Eric Franklin from Scarlett Cybersecurity Group. “It’s kind of scary that we have these devices that we use day in and day out, and a lot of people aren’t aware of just some of the basics of do not talk about specific things over the phone, or do not send out specific information over your cell phone.”

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Google Message and iMessage can also encrypt calls and texts. Experts recommend keeping your phone’s software updated to protect yourself and advise against sending sensitive information that you don’t want others to access.

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