Tag Archive for: messaging

ISIS IT Group Warns of Vulnerability of Google Play Store Messaging App – Homeland Security Today


An ISIS-supporting cybersecurity group warned followers of the terror group that installing a Google Play app would leave them vulnerable to surveillance by intelligence agencies.

The alert was issued by the Electronic Horizons Foundation, which launched in January 2016 as an IT help desk of sorts to walk ISIS supporters through how to encrypt their communications and otherwise avoid detection online while coordinating with and recruiting jihadists.

EHF released a 24-page cybersecurity magazine for ISIS supporters last May that walks jihadists through step-by-step security for smartphones — while encouraging them to use a computer instead for more secure terror-related business — and warns of “nightmare” Microsoft Windows collecting user data from geolocation to browsing history.

The new EHF “important warning” distributed online told supporters that “spies of intelligence agencies are using a new method to track down supporters through Google Play Store.”

“One of the spies,” EHF said, uploaded a custom app that “collects identifiable information of android phones.”

“Then he targets and communicates with supporters by claiming that they have received a money transaction, and they need to install the application in order to receive it,” the alert continued. “Beware of installing or using suspicious apps promoted by unknown individuals, whether it’s an APK file or uploaded to app stores. Intelligence mercenaries are trying to use users’ trust in the app store in order to target supporters using malicious apps uploaded to the app store.”

The app named by EHF is advertised on Google Play as a highly secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption. Concerned about the security of their information on social media and Telegram messenger, EHF recently has been trying to steer ISIS followers toward using the Element messenger.

EHF last year urged followers to use alternate operating systems such as Qubes, Tails or Whonix. The ISIS cyber group has also highlighted “wrong security practices” including browsing the internet without Tor or VPN, downloading apps from third-party sources, failing to encrypt the device or storage devices, neglecting to…

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How to add and use stickers in the Signal messaging app


Signal Sticker HeroSource: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

If you are one of the millions of new converts to the private messaging app Signal, then welcome! We are thrilled that such a privacy-centric app exists on both iOS and Android users (as well as Mac, Windows, and Linux). While Signal has always been secure and end-to-end encrypted, it hasn’t always been the most fun-looking or customizable app, nor has it had as many personalization features. Thankfully, these features are finally starting to roll out to users, including one of our favorites — stickers! We’ll show you how to add and use stickers in your Signal chats. Let’s get started.

How to add and use stickers in the Signal messaging app

  1. Open the Signal app.
  2. Tap on a message thread or start a new message.
  3. Tap on the sticker icon in the Signal message composer.

    How To Use Add Stickers Signal Step 1

    How To Use Add Stickers Signal Step 2Source: Android Central

  4. Choose from your installed sticker packs, or tap the + icon to add more stickers.
  5. Pick which sticker you like and tap on it.
  6. Tap the blue send arrow to send the sticker to your contact.

    How To Use Add Stickers Signal Step 3

    How To Use Add Stickers Signal Step 5How To Use Add Stickers Signal Step 4Source: Android Central

Signal has built its privacy-first reputation on the grounds that everything in the app is end-to-end encrypted, including things you wouldn’t think about, like stickers.

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Because Signal’s stickers are so secure, there aren’t as many pre-installed options in the app as there are on some of the other best messaging apps like Telegram, Messenger, or WhatsApp. However, you can rest assured that you won’t be sending any malicious code or malware when you share fun stickers with your friends.

You do have the option to create your own custom stickers with the sticker creator feature in the Signal Desktop app, which is available on Mac, Linux, and Windows. Alternatively, you can search for stickers on Twitter with the #makeprivacystick hashtag. Signal has also added other customization features like custom chat backgrounds, text bubble colors, and profiles. Now you can truly make the app feel like your own safe space!

Our top equipment picks

Out of the best Android phones, one in particular sticks out as a secure messaging device, and that is Google’s very own Pixel 5.

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Syniverse RCS P2P hub advances messaging capabilities for mobile messaging users


Syniverse announced the growth of its rich communications services (RCS) person-to-person (P2P) hub to expedite the company’s messaging platform’s globally. In addition to having privacy and security compliance, the Syniverse RCS P2P hub provides mobile network operators with a single connection to more than 85 mobile networks and over-the-top (OTT) providers.

For nearly a year, Syniverse has been driving P2P interconnect and interworking by handling an average of more than 400 million messages a day and growing. The Syniverse RCS P2P hub enables more than 250 million subscribers reach to more than 200 countries with more connections planned for 2021.

“The Syniverse RCS P2P hub continues to elevate our messaging capabilities,” said John McRae, President of Carrier, Syniverse.

“After undergoing thorough testing and proof of concepts, the Syniverse RCS P2P hub is live and actively empowering mobile operators to exceed their customers’ mobile messaging expectations.”

As standard text messaging (SMS) evolves into 5G powered RCS messaging, the Syniverse RCS P2P hub offers unparalleled interoperability. By coupling the hub with Global ENUM, mobile operators can intelligently route RCS services and VoLTE traffic with confidence of secure message delivery.

With more than 30 years of experience in powering mobile, Syniverse continues to lead the industry with innovative technologies. The RCS P2P hub joins services like clearing and settlement improvements and 3G sunsetting to provide operators with futureproof solutions.

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Google releases Android 11 with new messaging, smart device, security features – Telecompaper

Google releases Android 11 with new messaging, smart device, security features  Telecompaper
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