Summary

U.S. officials are urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp after a massive cyberespionage campaign, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” targeted telecom giants AT&T, Verizon, and others.

Linked to Chinese hackers, the attack compromised call metadata, live phone calls, and sensitive surveillance systems used by law enforcement.

Officials warn the breach is unresolved and emphasize encryption to safeguard communications.

The hack is seen as a major intelligence-gathering effort rather than election interference.

  • @Limonene@lemmy.world
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    44 hours ago

    What options are there? Signal is not viable, because it requires a special type of phone number to sign up, so can’t be used on desktop. WhatsApp is proprietary. Matrix took me 8 tries to find a server that would let me sign up, and then the client wouldn’t allow me to send private messages.

    • mox
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      113 minutes ago

      I use Matrix for private messages. If you found a server that suits you, it might be worthwhile to try it with a different client.

    • @Ofiuco@lemmy.cafe
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      14 hours ago

      Try SimpleX, it works. I only have 3 complains about it:

      • Adding people is kind of a hassle
      • Groups are limited to 200 users (only applies if you need more)
      • The desktop and smartphone can’t be used in sync at the same time
      • mox
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        15 minutes ago
        • Drops messages if they’re not picked up within (by default) 21 days.
        • Doesn’t support using one account from multiple independent devices.
        • Adding contacts requires copy/paste a large link or QR code; can’t just tell them a short address over the phone.
        • No group calls.
        • Venture capital funding makes its future uncertain.

        Last time I investigated it was a few months ago; it’s possible that it might have made some improvements since then.