The FBI urges people to use encrypted messaging

US officials are urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps amid a massive cyberattack on eight major telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon.

Dubbed Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, the attack—attributed to Chinese hackers—is one of the largest intelligence breaches in US history. Officials don’t have a clear timeline about when the telecommunications systems will be free of intruders.

Salt Typhoon was first revealed in October, and according to the FBI, it accessed call metadata, live phone calls, and CALEA systems, which process some US intelligence court orders. The agency hasn’t indicated any classified material was accessed.

While the attack didn’t sway elections, it’s seen as a strategic espionage effort to monitor US politics and government. Critics like Senator Ron Wyden argue that it is a national security issue and that the reliance on unencrypted systems leaves America vulnerable to future breaches.

Privacy advocates recommend using apps that offer end-to-end encryption for calls and messages, like Signal and WhatsApp. They also advise having phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication for added protection.