Lessons From the CIA Hacking Leak: How to Keep Your Data Secure

Thousands of leaked secret Central Intelligence Agency documents showing how the group hacked into phones, computers and internet-connected televisions erupted Tuesday with the look of another bombshell exposé of government spying run amok.

But for ordinary consumers, there was a surprising - and reassuring - takeaway: encryption apps on smartphones, such as Signal and Facebook Inc.’s WhatsApp were the big winners of the day because the documents show they still present big problems for government hackers and are the best bet for keeping intruders out of your phone calls and texts.