The world is changing. Technology is changing the way we communicate with each other, the way we bank, and even how we govern. As a result of this change, cyber security has become paramount to our safety. So what are some of the best ways to protect yourself? Let’s take a look at some popular encrypted messaging apps that have been recently released in recent years!
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to exchange messages without paying for SMS. WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection, so it works very fast and even works on most phones. WhatsApp also has a desktop version that you can download onto computers or laptops. In 2014 WhatsApp added end-to-end encryption as an automatic feature of the program, which means the contents of your messages cannot be seen by anyone other than those two people involved in the conversation. You can use WhatsApp on most phone operating systems, including Windows, iOS, and Android. WhatsApp is free to download but does charge a small price for the service after one year of use.
Telegram Messenger
Released in 2013, Telegram messenger is another popular encrypted messaging app. Via telegram, you can send messages, pictures, videos, audio, and even documents without them being seen by anyone other than the two users involved in the conversation. This app also has end-to-end encryption! You can set up different routes that expire if no messages are going between those two people within a certain period. You can also create groups with up to 5,000 members! Telegram is free to download but charges a small fee if you want access to some of the app’s more advanced features.
Viber
Viber is yet another popular messaging app that allows encrypted messages between people. The great thing about this app is that it works on mobile devices, PCs, and laptops. Encryption was added in 2014, so the contents of your message are kept private between you two users. Viber requires registration based on an email address or phone number, making it one of the most secure apps out there, considering you don’t need anything other than your basic information to use it. You can download the app for Android, Windows Phone, iOS, macOS, and Windows OS.
Conversations
Conversations (by Open Whisper Systems) is an encrypted messaging app that utilizes the same encryption protocol as WhatsApp Messenger. However, it uses peer-to-peer technology, which means messages are sent directly between devices without using a central server. The differentiating factor with this chat client is your messages are encrypted all the way to the device (phone or computer). It allows you to have private conversations by letting you control exactly who you want to see what you’re saying. This app works great for communicating with people you trust and want to have a private conversation with. Conversations is available on Android, iOS, and Google Chrome.
Signal
Another popular messaging app, Signal, was designed by Moxie Marlinspike, who helped develop secure protocols for Open Whisper Systems. Unlike the other apps listed here, Signal is not a chatting service. Rather it lets you encrypt phone calls. It’s perfect for those who can’t afford to lose their phone number when switching phones or are worried about having their data analyzed by wireless carriers.
By downloading this app, users can continue using their existing phone number instead of getting an entirely new one! The great thing about this app is that it isn’t linked to the Google Play store or the App Store, so users’ privacy is not at risk when downloading it. Signal is available on iOS and Android smartphones.
Threema
Threema is an encrypted messaging app that is based in Switzerland. This app is one of the most secure apps out there because it’s NOT a cloud-based service, meaning your messages stay on your device, and only you can access them. While the creators claim they don’t store any personal data, they admit to storing the timestamp of when you sent texts. The app is excellent for people who want to make sure no one else but their intended contact can read their messages. Threema is available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.
Silence
Silence is an encrypted messaging app that focuses on privacy. It’s aimed at people who want to avoid targeted advertising, censorship, or data collection by governments and corporations. One stand-out feature with this app is it lets you set a timer for your messages to self-destruct once they’re read, which allows the user to delete a message before anyone else can see it.
That way, you’ll never have to worry about leaving behind any evidence of what you discussed with someone on your device. This app is excellent for those concerned about their privacy as the messages only exist on your phone and not on some big data server like other chat apps. Silence is available on iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different encrypted messaging apps that you can download to keep your conversations private. Each app has its own unique qualities with its purpose of being encrypted, the main thing they have in common. If you are worried about security, it’s best to choose an app that doesn’t store any data on company servers. Popular messaging services like Facebook Messenger, Twitter DMs, and Snapchat don’t provide user security as they’re not encrypted. So if you want to keep all your info safe and private, give one of these apps a try!
