In a move to bolster personal data security among New Yorkers, the state's Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert with savvy advice for mobile phone message safety. This alert, a reaction to federal agencies like the FBI warning against potential telecom hacks, puts the privacy of text messages into question — and James is providing a playbook for protection. "New Yorkers expect that their private text messages will be protected," said Attorney General James in a statement, pointing out the necessity for awareness and the adoption of secure communication habits in the face of rising cybersecurity threats, according to the Attorney General's official website.

The message is simple: traditional SMS texting is vulnerable. Hackers could potentially access unencrypted messages if they manage to breach a network; therefore, the Attorney General's office suggests citizens might want to pivot to messaging apps that use encryption, scrambling messages into unreadability until safely arrive at the recipient's device, where it's decoded for reading only by the intended eyes. It's not just about the app's encryption prowess but also demands a keen eye for other data the app could collect—stuff like your location, who you are, what your face looks like — whether that is being encrypted too is a question worth asking. If texting is unavoidable, it's best to refrain from sharing sensitive details like account numbers, health information, or explicit photos. Finally, if pressured to send inappropriate content, it’s wise to trust skepticism over blind trust.

In summary, AG James’s office advises staying alert and informed in the digital world. Knowledge, combined with caution, could be the key to protecting personal privacy. The message is clear: stay vigilant, stay safe, and remain skeptical of anything that seems too easy.