FBI and CISA Warning: Use Only Encrypted Messaging
As a small business owner, your focus is often on growing your company, managing clients, and supporting employees. But recent warnings from the FBI and CISA stress the importance of prioritizing secure communication in your operations.
The Warning
The FBI and CISA have issued a critical advisory: Americans should use encrypted messaging apps instead of regular text messages or phone calls. This follows a major cyberattack by hackers linked to the Chinese government. The attack, described as a “broad and significant cyber espionage campaign,” targeted U.S. telecom networks, compromising call records and private communications.
The hacking group “Salt Typhoon” exploited long-standing back doors in major telecom providers, initially created for lawful surveillance under CALEA. These vulnerabilities allowed them to access sensitive data, affecting at least eight U.S. telecom companies and impacting dozens of countries.
Why This Matters to Small Businesses
You might think your business is too small to be targeted. However, cybercriminals often focus on smaller organizations, knowing they lack robust cybersecurity defenses. Even seemingly routine communications can contain sensitive details about your operations, finances, or clients, making them a valuable target.
What Are Encrypted Messaging Apps?
Encrypted messaging apps secure your communications using algorithms to scramble messages, making them unreadable without a decryption key. Popular options include:
- Microsoft Teams
- SNAPmobile app (used with CDML VoIP services)
- Signal
- Telegram (when using secret chats)
Steps to Protect Your Business
- Adopt Encrypted Messaging
Transition your business communications to encrypted messaging apps, especially for sensitive information. - Train Employees
Ensure your team understands the importance of secure communication and knows how to use the tools correctly. - Keep Apps and Devices Updated
Regular updates ensure your systems have the latest security patches. - Avoid SMS for Sensitive Data
SMS messages, especially between different platforms like iPhone and Android, are not encrypted and are vulnerable to interception. - Use Encrypted Voice Calls
Many messaging apps also offer secure voice call features for sensitive business discussions.
CDML: Your Partner in Secure Communications
At CDML, we understand the importance of secure communication for small businesses. We provide solutions like secure VoIP services and Microsoft Teams for encrypted chats and calls, ensuring your conversations stay private.
- VoIP Security: Our VoIP systems use advanced encryption to protect voice communications from interception.
- Microsoft Teams: With features like encryption in transit and at rest, Teams offers a secure platform for collaboration, messaging, and video calls.
Our team of certified experts will help you implement, maintain, and train your employees on secure communication tools, ensuring your business remains protected.
The Bottom Line
The recent warning from the FBI and CISA is a wake-up call for businesses of all sizes. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, and traditional communication methods are no longer enough. By adopting encrypted messaging and leveraging secure communication platforms, you take a proactive step in safeguarding your business from potential breaches.
Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay encrypted.
