In the past few months, people have probably seen the acronym "RCS" pop up in their messages while texting. It allows rich media features to be shared between iPhone and Android users, like seeing when the other person is typing a message, but the FBI suggests Americans use encrypted apps due to cybersecurity issues.
Apple recently introduced its latest software update, iOS18. It allows iPhone users to message Android users with high-resolution photos, videos, read receipts and view when someone is texting back.
"It's called Rich Communication Services, RCS, and what that does is it gives you the ability to talk to somebody who has an Android, but you get to see the three little dots just like you do on message, so it's really cool, and it's really great, but it does come with some risks," said Delaney Duffey, an associate systems engineer at NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Unlike iMessage, Duffey said RCS is not encrypted end-to-end, which means it's not protected.
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"Which is why the FBI basically says, 'Hey, use WhatsApp.' WhatsApp is encrypted end-to-end, however, with being owned by META, that is something that you do want to keep in mind as well," said Duffey.
So, should you turn off RCS? Disabling RCS will switch off rich media features and not suddenly allow end-to-end encrypted messages between Apple and Android users. Apple only offers end-to-end encryption through iMessage to other Apple users. Similarly, messages sent via Google Messages between Android users are also encrypted. However, once Apple and Android devices start talking to each other, they lose the encryption.
Until end-to-end encryption between Apple and Android devices is solved, users of those devices would need to use an over-the-top third-party app like META's WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to secure their messages. To use a third-party app, both users must have the app installed on their devices.
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Last month, in a joint statement from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA, officials said foreign hackers are tapping into people's data in a "significant cyber espionage campaign."
"The thing with encryption in messaging is, you don't want to send out your personal information, Social Security information. A lot of business is done via text message these days. If it was me running my business, I would want to make sure that data is safe," said Duffey.
To be safe, it's recommended that users don't share credit card numbers or other sensitive personal or financial data via text messages.
"When it comes to technology, it's ultimately your choice what to do. When it comes to it, just be safe, don't do anything that your mom wouldn't want you doing," said Duffey.
Service provider Verizon posted on its website that Advanced Messaging, RCS, in the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued on Jan. 6, 2025.
Editor's Note: The instructions for disabling RCS messaging originally published with this article were removed, and more context around the messaging platform and how to use third-party apps for end-to-end encryption between Apple and Android devices was included.
