Security News > 2020 > July > EncroChat Hacked by Police

Encrochat took the base unit, installed its own encrypted messaging programs which route messages through the firm's own servers, and even physically removed the GPS, camera, and microphone functionality from the phone.

Unbeknownst to Mark, or the tens of thousands of other alleged Encrochat users, their messages weren't really secure.

Going into full-on emergency mode, Encrochat sent a message to its users informing them of the ongoing attack.

Encrochat cut its own SIM service; it had an update scheduled to push to the phones, but it couldn't guarantee whether that update itself wouldn't be carrying malware too.

Shortly after Encrochat restored SIM service, KPN removed the firewall, allowing the hackers' servers to communicate with the phones once again.

News URL

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2020/07/hacked_by_polic.html