UPDATE: Mobile espionage has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent warnings from cybersecurity experts about the dangers of everyday messaging. Christine Gadsby, chief security adviser at BlackBerry, revealed that even casual texts can expose sensitive personal data, highlighting the dire need for heightened awareness.
The demand for personal data has skyrocketed, making it a highly coveted commodity for both governments and corporations. In a shocking statement, Gadsby admitted she thinks twice before sending her children simple messages like “stop and get bread,” aware that even trivial communications can reveal a wealth of information about users.
In an exclusive interview from her home in Texas, Gadsby emphasized that nation-states are among the most significant threats, with Australia facing increased risks from regional rivals. She pointed specifically to Chinese state-sponsored groups, including Salt Typhoon and APT 41, as the most pressing concerns. “Nation states really are the primary threat actors,” Gadsby stated, underscoring their ability to collaborate and enhance their tactics.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is actively pursuing five Chinese nationals linked to APT 41 for their involvement in a series of supply chain attacks targeting hundreds of companies. Salt Typhoon, Gadsby noted, has compromised networks in over 80 countries, affecting over 600 organizations globally. “That’s a lot, that’s a big surface,” she warned.
Gadsby described Salt Typhoon’s operations as having “unmatched scale” regarding telecom breaches, where attackers not only infiltrate networks but also maintain persistent access. “They don’t just breach the telecom, they stay there,” she explained, echoing concerns from security experts and government officials who admit that the full extent of these breaches is still unknown.
While BlackBerry may have halted its mobile phone production in 2022, the company continues its mission of safeguarding user privacy through advanced software and security services. Gadsby highlighted the ongoing importance of protecting private conversations, stating, “That’s what we started for and that’s what we’re doing.”
As a mother of four, Gadsby is acutely aware of the personal stakes in cybersecurity. “We do have to be proactive in our mobile conversations,” she said, advocating for vigilance when using free messaging applications that often track extensive user metadata. This metadata can disclose GPS coordinates, device information, and even usage patterns, posing significant risks.
“When you create a user account, you assign your phone number and you give it a name—those messaging applications are tracking everything,” Gadsby warned. “All that data is for sale, and attackers are taking advantage of that infrastructure.”
To combat these threats, Gadsby recommends practical steps such as removing unused apps and scrutinizing permissions. “It doesn’t need to have your location all the time,” she advised. “Educate yourself and evaluate what you’re sharing with the apps.”
Gadsby also stressed the importance of instilling good security hygiene in families. “My girls know they are not allowed to share their location through an app,” she explained. “We make phone calls and say, ‘Meet me here,’ and things like that.”
With the stakes higher than ever, the message is clear: protecting personal data is no longer optional. Experts urge everyone to take immediate action to defend against the pervasive threats of mobile espionage.
As developments unfold, stay vigilant and consider how your digital communications may be exposing you. The time to act is NOW!
