Security

Messaging Apps That Use End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption is a relatively new feature for messaging apps. Unfortunately, your data is a lot more insecure than you may realize. Without end-to-end encryption, your messages could be accessed by someone other than the recipient. With end-to-end encryption, only you and the recipient can see every message. That means that no one can intercept your messages: not even the maker of the service, an intelligence agency, or a hacker. This feature is an incredible accomplishment for those who want their digital communication to be private.

In addition to end-to-end encryption, consider locking your messaging apps — and other private apps — with an app password. This will help to protect your data in case your phone falls into the wrong hands. Click here to add a password to your apps:

WhatsApp
This messaging app made news last year with its impressive feat: end-to-end encryption as the default, for everything in the app. That means that every message, video, file, voice message, and photo you send, and every call you make, has end-to-end encryption. If you’re using the latest version of the app, then end-to-end encryption is already enabled — there’s nothing else you have to do.

Facebook Messenger
This app isn’t fully encrypted in the way that WhatsApp is, but it now offers “Secret Conversations” which are end-to-end encrypted. As stated, no one can intercept your messages when sent in a secret conversation. Further, taking a cue from Snapchat and Signal, you can set your secret messages to self-destruct after a certain period of time, once the recipient has seen the message. If you’re using the current version of Messenger, you can access secret messages by creating a new message and then clicking “secret” in the top right corner.

Signal
In addition to WhatsApp, Signal is one of the best messaging apps for end-to-end encryption. It was created by Open Whisper Systems — the same software organization that helped to encrypt WhatsApp. It’s a free app that allows you to send and receive high-quality, encrypted messages (group, text, photo, video, etc.). Like Messenger, you can also set messages to self-destruct after a period of time. It’s one of the best apps on the market if you’re looking for a truly secure messaging app.

Viber
This popular messaging app also offers end-to-end encryption. Unlike the other messaging services mentioned, Viber users a color-coded feature to show you how secure your conversations are. While this app is also free to use, if you want to contact non-Viber users, you’ll have to pay a fee.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.