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WhatsApp
alternative messaging apps Cyber Security End-to-End Encryption Privacy Concerns Secure Messaging Signal app SMS security risks SMS vulnerabilities Telegram WhatsApp

Seure Messaging Apps: A Safer Alternative to SMS for Enhanced Privacy and Cybersecurity

 

The Short Messaging Service (SMS) has been a fundamental part of mobile communication since the 1990s when it was introduced on cellular networks globally. 

Despite the rise of Internet Protocol-based messaging services with the advent of smartphones, SMS continues to see widespread use. However, this persistence raises concerns about its safety and privacy implications.

Reasons Why SMS Is Not Secure

1. Lack of End-to-End Encryption

SMS lacks end-to-end encryption, with messages typically transmitted in plain text. This leaves them vulnerable to interception by anyone with the necessary expertise. Even if a mobile carrier employs encryption, it's often a weak and outdated algorithm applied only during transit.

2. Dependence on Outdated Technology

SMS relies on Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), a set of signalling protocols developed in the 1970s. This aging technology is highly insecure and susceptible to various cyberattacks. Instances of hackers exploiting SS7 vulnerabilities for malicious purposes have been recorded.

3. Government Access to SMS

SS7 security holes have not been adequately addressed, potentially due to government interest in monitoring citizens. This raises concerns about governments having the ability to read SMS messages. In the U.S., law enforcement can access messages older than 180 days without a warrant, despite efforts to change this.

4. Carrier Storage of Messages

Carriers retain SMS messages for a defined period, and metadata is stored even longer. While laws and policies aim to prevent unauthorized access, breaches can still occur, potentially compromising user privacy.

5. Irreversible Nature of SMS Messages

Once sent, SMS messages cannot be retracted. They persist on the recipient's device indefinitely, unless manually deleted. This lack of control raises concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information in cases of phone compromise or hacking.

Several secure messaging apps provide safer alternatives to SMS:

1. Signal
 
Signal is a leading secure messaging app known for its robust end-to-end encryption, ensuring only intended recipients can access messages. Developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation, it prioritizes user privacy and does not collect personal data.

2. Telegram

Telegram offers a solid alternative to SMS. While messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, users can enable Secret Chats for enhanced security. This feature prevents forwarding and limits access to messages, photos, videos, and documents.

3. WhatsApp

Despite its affiliation with Meta, WhatsApp is a popular alternative with billions of active users. It employs end-to-end encryption for message security, surpassing the safety provided by SMS. It's available on major platforms and is widely used among contacts.

In conclusion, SMS is not a recommended option for individuals concerned about personal cybersecurity and privacy. While it offers convenience, its security shortcomings are significant. 

Secure messaging apps with end-to-end encryption are superior alternatives, providing a higher level of protection for sensitive communications. If using SMS is unavoidable, caution and additional security measures are advised to safeguard information.
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Trojanized Apps
Data Hackers Messaging Apps Safety Secure Messaging Security Trojanized Apps

Transparent Tribe Hackers Disseminate CapraRAT via Trojanized Messaging Apps

 

Transparent Tribe, an alleged Pakistan-aligned advanced persistent threat (APT) group, has been interconnected to an ongoing cyber espionage campaign targeting Indian and Pakistani Android users with a backdoor called CapraRAT. 

"Transparent Tribe distributed the Android CapraRAT backdoor via trojanized secure messaging and calling apps branded as MeetsApp and MeetUp," ESET said in a report shared with The Hacker News.

It is estimated that up to 150 victims, most of whom have military or political affiliations, were targeted, with the malware (com.meetup.app) available for download from fake websites posing as official distribution centers for these apps. The targets are believed to have been lured by a honeytrap romance scam in which the threat actor approaches the victims via another platform and persuades them to install malware-laced apps under the guise of "secure" messaging and calling.

The targets are believed to have been lured by a honeytrap romance scam in which the threat actor approaches the victims via another platform and persuades them to install malware-laced apps under the guise of "secure" messaging and calling.

The apps, however, come pre-installed with CapraRAT, a modified version of the open-source AndroRAT that Trend Micro first documented in February 2022 and that exhibits overlap with a Windows malware known as CrimsonRAT.

The backdoor includes a plethora of features that allow it to capture screenshots and photos, record phone calls and surrounding audio, and exfiltrate sensitive data. It can also make calls, send SMS messages, and receive download commands. However, in sequence to use the app's features, users must first create an account by linking their phone numbers and completing an SMS verification step.

As stated by the Slovak cybersecurity firm, the campaign is narrowly targeted and there is no evidence that the apps were available on the Google Play Store.

Transparent Tribe, also known as APT36, Operation C-Major, and Mythic Leopard, was recently linked to another wave of attacks against Indian government organizations using malicious versions of the Kavach two-factor authentication solution.

The research comes just weeks after cybersecurity firm ThreatMon detailed a spear-phishing campaign by SideCopy actors targeting Indian government entities with the goal of deploying an updated version of the ReverseRAT backdoor.
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