Digital security has become one of the biggest concerns globally today. In such a situation, America’s leading investigative agency FBI has issued an important warning, which has forced common users to reconsider their methods of communication. According to the FBI, sending traditional SMS can prove to be a personal security risk today, while platforms with end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp offer a much more secure option.
The FBI clarified in its report that normal SMS messages are neither encrypted nor travel through a secure channel. These messages can be easily intercepted while passing through mobile networks, and can be misused by cyber criminals or hackers. Experts say that OTP, banking information or personal conversations sent in text messages can become easy targets of cyber attacks.
In contrast, messaging platforms like WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption technology. This means that messages can only be read between the sender and the recipient. Even the company operating the platform cannot read these messages. The FBI says that such encryption systems provide an additional security layer to digital communications, thereby reducing the possibilities of data theft, espionage and hacking to a great extent.
According to security analysts, as cyber crimes are becoming increasingly technologically advanced, users need to change their digital habits. Unsecured mediums like SMS not only put personal information at risk but can also open the way for financial fraud. It has been seen in many cases that hackers access SMS data of users by using SIM swapping or network snooping techniques.
WhatsApp, on the other hand, keeps not only messages but also calls, video calls and shared media encrypted. Its security updates and privacy features keep it on the list of platforms that the FBI considers quite reliable. Although no digital platform is completely risk-free, services with encryption can assure users a higher level of security.
The report also advised that users should only use security certified apps when communicating via the internet. Avoid clicking unknown links, keep two-step verification active, and review privacy settings regularly.
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