Poland told officials to stop using the popular instant messaging app Signal after cyberattacks targeted government accounts. Poland has instructed government officials to stop using Signal for sensitive communications and move to a state-developed alternative. The decision follows repeated cyberattacks targeting Signal accounts belonging to politicians, military personnel, and public servants. Officials believe the campaigns…
Tag: messaging
Global Security News
End‑to‑End Encrypted RCS Messaging Arrives Across iPhone and Android
Apple begins rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android in iOS 26.5
AI, Global Security News
iOS 26.5 is out, bringing encrypted RCS messaging to iPhone and Android users
Apple is bringing long-awaited end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging between iPhone and Android users in iOS 26.5. The feature is launching in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 on supported carriers and Android users using the latest version of Google Messages. “When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read…
Global Security News, privacy
Instagram messaging encryption removed, and privacy advocates are pushing back
After introducing optional end-to-end encrypted messaging in 2023, Instagram announced in March 2026 that encryption for direct messages would be discontinued, and the feature was removed on May 8. The change allows Instagram to access direct message content, including images, videos, and voice notes. “If you have chats that are affected by this change, you…
AI, Global Security News
WhatsApp Leaks User Metadata to Attackers
Strangers can infer limited info about you without knowing or messaging you, which could theoretically aid certain kinds of malicious activity.
Global Security News, Network Security, privacy
Product showcase: Session, a messenger without phone numbers or metadata
Instant messaging has been around for decades, but it became widely adopted with the emergence of smartphones. Earlier, communication was limited to basic text messages. Messaging expanded to include photos, videos, and video calls without relying on telecom networks, as long as there is a reliable data connection. Privacy and metadata concerns With the growth…
Global Security News, privacy, Risk Management
Which messaging app takes the most limited approach to permissions on Android?
Messaging apps handle sensitive conversations, contacts, and media, and their behavior on a device varies in ways that affect privacy. An analysis of Android versions of Messenger, Signal, and Telegram shows that differences in permissions, background activity, and system exposure shape how much data each app can access and how often it communicates. Permissions define…
AI, Global Security News
WhatsApp Alerts 200 Users After Fake iOS App Installed Spyware; Italian Firm Faces Action
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp said it alerted about 200 users who were tricked into installing a bogus version of its iOS app that was infected with spyware. According to reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica and news agency ANSA, the vast majority of the targets are located in Italy. It’s assessed that the threat actors behind the activity…
AI, Global Security News
Kremlin Enters the Chat With Russia’s New Super-App
Max, a messaging and e-commerce platform, will offer everything from taxi-hailing services to electronic passport wallets.
Global Security News
Storm Brews Over Critical, No-Click Telegram Flaw
The vulnerability, which is allegedly triggered by a corrupted sticker in the messaging app, received a 9.8 CVSS score, but Telegram denies it exists.
AI, Data Breaches, Global Security News, Government & Policy, malware, Russia
FBI: Iranian hackers targeting opponents with Telegram malware
Iranian government-connected groups are deploying malware via the Telegram messaging app, taking aim at dissidents and other opponents of Tehran around the world, the FBI said in an alert Friday. The FBI said attackers linked to the Ministry of Intelligence and Security are behind the campaign, which stretches back to 2023. The bureau is escalating…
AI, Apps, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Russia
Russian hackers go after high-value targets through Signal
Russian intelligence-linked hackers are targeting commercial messaging platforms, with Signal a primary focus, the FBI and CISA warn. The campaign is aimed at individuals of intelligence interest, including government personnel, journalists, and others with access to sensitive communications. It is believed that the campaign has compromised thousands of commercial messaging applications accounts. People who use…
AI, Apps, Cybersecurity, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Risk Management, Russia
FBI, CISA issue PSA on Russian intelligence campaign to target messaging apps
Russian intelligence-affiliated hackers have gained access to thousands of users’ messaging apps with a global phishing campaign, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned in a public service announcement on Friday. The high-value targets they’re pursuing include current and former U.S. government officials, political figures, military personnel and journalists, the two agencies…
AI, Global Security News
Meta ditches end-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram
End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026. Meta justified the move by saying the feature was rarely used, with only a small fraction of Instagram users enabling encryption. The company advised users seeking end-to-end encryption to switch to WhatsApp, where it is enabled by default. Unlike WhatsApp, Instagram…
Global Security News, Government & Policy
Your Signal account is safe – unless you fall for this trick
Signal, the encrypted messaging app trusted by security-savvy users around the world, has confirmed that hackers have managed to takeover accounts – with government officials and journalists among those being targeted. Read more in my article on the Hot for Security blog.
AI, Global Security News
Telegram rises to top spot in job scam activity
Encrypted messaging platforms are becoming a primary channel for Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, with Telegram representing a growing share of reported cases, according to the Revolut report. APP scam origination by % Social Media platform (Source: Revolut) The platform generates over 20% of authorised fraud origination, surpassing WhatsApp and posting growth of more than…
AI, Europe, Global Security News
Consumers feel less judged by AI debt collectors
Debt collection agencies are starting to use automated voice systems and AI-driven messaging to handle consumer calls. These systems help scale outreach, reduce call center staffing demands, and offer 24/7 service. A new study covering 11 European countries found that this shift changes how consumers emotionally experience debt collection, especially around stigma and empathy. The…
Global Security News
Apple Expands RCS Encryption and Memory Protections in iOS 26.4
iOS 26.4 Beta adds end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging and enhanced Memory Integrity Enforcement
AI, Global Security News
Encrypted RCS messaging support lands in Apple’s iOS 26.4 developer build
Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted Rich Communications Services (RCS) messaging in the iOS 26.4 developer beta. Apple has added end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to the iOS and iPadOS 26.4 developer beta. The feature, still in testing, will roll out in a future update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Apple notes that E2EE is not…