FBI Warns Texas Residents About Risks of Regular Text Messages

The FBI has issued a critical warning for Texans about the dangers of sending regular text messages between Android and iPhone devices. These types of messages, the agency says, are especially vulnerable to hackers, putting your personal information at risk.

Scammers are also stepping up their efforts to target cell phone users. Many are using phishing texts or calls that appear to come from trusted sources like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. Their goal is to trick you into sharing sensitive information or clicking on dangerous links. To stay safe, avoid responding to unknown numbers, don’t click on suspicious links, and never share private details over the phone. If something feels suspicious, verify the source before acting.

According to Forbes, the FBI strongly recommends switching to secure, encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp for texting and phone calls. These apps scramble your data, making it unreadable to hackers and keeping your conversations safe.

This warning comes after a troubling cyber espionage campaign, dubbed Salt Typhoon, that has targeted telecommunications networks across the United States. Earlier this year, hackers tied to this campaign infiltrated networks to steal sensitive metadata, such as dates and times of communication. In some cases, they even accessed the content of text messages and call audio.

The true scale of the breach remains unclear, but officials believe the hackers may still have access to stolen information. This incident is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks linked to China, with efforts aimed at stealing U.S. technology and government secrets, as well as targeting critical infrastructure like energy grids.

To protect yourself, experts recommend using encrypted apps to secure your messaging and phone calls. Be mindful of sensitive conversations on unsecured platforms, as they are more likely to be compromised. Keeping your devices updated is another essential step to reduce vulnerabilities. While China denies involvement in these hacking incidents, the FBI stresses that taking these precautions is vital for safeguarding personal information.

Texans should act now to secure their data. With cyber threats growing, making the switch to encrypted apps could save you from becoming a target.