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According to Statista, around 40% of Americans(respondents to a survey) showed concern about their data being sold. 38% raised eyebrows about hackers stealing their information, while 15% expressed concern over law enforcement agencies monitoring their data.
And it makes sense. Loss of control over personal data is the last thing people want.
With that said, keeping your conversations just between you and the recipient is essential and the first step to achieve that is choosing a reliable end-to-end-encrypted messaging app.
While there is a sea of options available, I will be talking in detail about just the best ones.
Without further ado, let’s dive into them!
Top Contenders in Encrypted Messaging
Signal: The Encryption Powerhouse
Telegram: Cloud-Based Security with Flexibility
Other Notable Options: WhatsApp
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Secure Messaging App
Using Your Secure App Wisely: Best Practices for Encrypted Messaging
What is Encryption?
OK, so, before we talk about encryption-based messaging apps, you should know what is encryption in the first place.
Encryption is basically encoding of the information. Plain text is converted into codes, which is called ciphertext. This ciphertext is converted back to plain text when it reaches its destination or recipient.
Simply put, it’s like camouflaging your messages or information so that hackers don’t know what that means unless they have the deciphering key.
Top Contenders in Encrypted Messaging
Here are the three best apps on which you can rely to safely send and receive messages:
Signal: The Encryption Powerhouse
Signal is by far the most secure messaging app in 2024. It offers all the necessary features that a safe and secure messaging app should have like sending texts, voice calls, video calls, self-destructing messages, and more.
It is available for all the major platforms: Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. However, it doesn’t have a web interface like WhatsApp.
It was Meta that indirectly helped Signal achieve a massive user base. The ongoing privacy concerns at Meta became public, so people started to Switch to Signal to safeguard their privacy. As a result, the number of active users on Signal increased. Now, let’s talk about why Signal can be a great fit for a secure messaging app and why it won’t.
Why Signal?
Why not Signal?
I don’t see any reason to avoid it if you are specifically looking for an app that can offer security. Yeah, there might be some issues when it comes to availability. I mean, you have to ask or even convince your friends and family to download it as it is still not adopted widely.
Telegram: Cloud-Based Security with Flexibility
Encryption is one of the many features that Telegram offers. You can even live stream, video call, and create communities on Telegram. I would say, it is the fun version of the boring secure messaging apps out there.
Why Telegram?
Why not Telegram?
I have to nitpick at this point because all of these apps are great. Telegram doesn’t have encryption turned all across the messages, but just for only the ‘Secret Chats.’ It’s a bit of a hassle because every time you are talking about something sensitive, you have to turn on the secret chat mode and then it will be safe.
Other Notable Options: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most used messaging app on this planet and the first to enable end-to-end encryption.
Almost all of your contacts are on WhatsApp. So, it would be easier for you to switch (if you ain’t using WhatsApp). All in all, it is an okay-ish option for a secure messaging app.
Why WhatsApp?
Why not WhatsApp?
There have been some questions raised on Meta about users’ data and privacy, which honestly the CEO, Mark Zuckerberg,wasn’t able to answer. In the end, it comes down to your trust in Meta. I personally use WhatsApp so, I am fine with this product of Meta.
Consider These Factors When Selecting a Secure Messaging App
Choosing the right secure messaging app can feel like a bit of a minefield, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): This is a must-have. End-to-end encryption means only you and the person you’re messaging can access and understand the messages. Not even the app provider can peek at your chats. Look for apps that have this as a standard feature.
Open Source: Apps that are open source allow their code to be inspected by anyone. This means security experts can verify there are no hidden backdoors or vulnerabilities. It’s like having a neighborhood watch for your app.
Data Retention Policies: Some apps keep data for longer than you might like. Check the app’s data retention policies to make sure your messages aren’t stored longer than necessary.
Metadata Protection: Even if your messages are encrypted, metadata (who you’re talking to, when, and how often) can still be exposed. Apps that minimize metadata collection or protect it are a safer bet.
Self-Destructing Messages: Sometimes, you want your messages to disappear after a certain time. Look for apps that offer to self-destruct or expire messages for that extra layer of privacy.
User Base and Reputation: An app’s reputation and the size of its user base can give you an idea of its reliability and trustworthiness. Apps that are widely used and well-reviewed are generally safer choices.
Cross-Platform Availability: Make sure the app works on all the devices you use. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or computer, having access across platforms is super convenient.
Extra Features: While security is the priority, it’s nice to have additional features like voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing. Pick an app that balances security with the functionality you need.
Also, you should remember that no app is perfect, but by considering these factors, you can choose one that best fits your privacy needs.
Using Your Secure App Wisely: Best Practices for Encrypted Messaging
It shouldn’t be a blind trust on any messaging app. You have to have your guns ready to avoid a mishap in the first place. There are some practices that you can follow to keep your conversations safe:
Avoiding Phishing Attempts by Opting for a Reliable ISP: This one is critical. Whenever you are on the World Wide Web, you are exposed to vulnerabilities. While there is no way you can nullify these vulnerabilities, you can minimize them.
So, I searched for internet service providers (ISPs) in my area that offered supreme network security. Xfinity was the most dependable of all. It offers xFi gateway which has minimum security weakness on top of its affordable Xfinity Internet plans and responsive customer service.
Use Strong Passwords: Users must avoid the pins and go for passwords. Use a mix of numbers, special characters, and alphabets. If you are an Android user, you can take Google’s suggestion when creating a strong password.
Responsible Sharing: Whenever you are about to share sensitive information, make sure to be proactive. Ask the person to be online so that no other person can read that information from your recipient’s device.
