Officials Urge Encrypted Messaging Amid Ongoing Telecom Hacks

The FBI and U.S. cybersecurity officials are urging Americans to use encrypted messaging apps like Signal to protect against cyber threats from foreign actors, particularly following a major hack linked to the Chinese government known as Salt Typhoon. This push for encryption comes amid concerns about potential authoritarian actions by the incoming Trump administration, which has nominated controversial figures to key positions. The Salt Typhoon hackers accessed U.S. telecom systems, but encrypted communications remained secure, highlighting the importance of encryption in safeguarding privacy.