Best encrypted and secure instant messaging programs
For us to be sure that our messages are sent with all security guarantees, the application must be end-to-end encrypted. Therefore, we guarantee that the service provider does not store copies of the messages we send on their server. This way, only the people we communicate with will have access to the messages.
The importance of an encrypted application
As we noted, the security of an instant messaging application requires it to encrypt messages from beginning to end. However, you must be careful, as not all applications that offer these security measures are enabled by default. In addition, there are a number of other measures that apps can use to protect our privacy and security, especially when using them. For example, two-step authentication or the ability to delete submitted images after a certain period of time.
Therefore, it is important that we know which messaging apps offer the highest level of security in order to prevent the disclosure of our data and conversations.
Encrypted messaging programs
As we noted, messaging apps are not as secure as they might seem, as they can leave the door open for spying on our conversations. Next we will see a series of messaging applications that feature end-to-end encryption of conversations for greater security.
Ricochet, security through the TOR network
This is an anonymous messaging service that is perhaps little known. It is characterized by the use of the TOR network, allowing you to send messages and communicate with other people without the need to depend on a central messaging server. Thus, all messages that you send are encrypted and secure …
To use this application, there is no need to register any account as it is responsible for automatically creating a unique ID for each user, which we can share with our friends in a secure chat. It has a fairly simple interface allowing you to add friends, chat and choose other configuration options.
Ricochet is available for Windows, Linux and macOS and we can download it from this link.
Wired transmission of encrypted messages for complete security
This messaging service features the ability to send encrypted messages, calls, photos and files without having to have a phone number to use it. To register, use e-mail identification instead. The application is under the jurisdiction of Switzerland, especially known for its privacy, as its servers are located in Germany and Ireland.
The app is available for both personal and professional use and is free for home users on mobile, desktop and web, making it a very versatile tool. We may contact other users by searching for their name and submitting a partnership request.
We can download Wire from their Honest Sign website.
Signal Private Messenger, one of the safest options
Now we are faced with one of the most secure instant messaging applications that exists thanks to its strong encryption. It is a free and open source application that has the following state: modern end-to-end encryption to keep our chats safe. No one will be able to read our messages or listen to our calls, only us and the people with whom we communicate.
In order to use this application, we will need a phone number, although it will not ask us for a PIN or password, and our data is never stored on their servers. It has a function that allows you to program the time required to automatically delete messages in every conversation, thus avoiding leaving traces.
Signal is completely free and compatible with mobile devices and computers with operating systems Windows, macOS and Linux. We can download it from here.
Telegram, privacy via secret chat
This is one of the instant messaging apps that has gained the most popularity in recent years, becoming a clear alternative to WhatsApp for many users, with over 200 million users worldwide. This is an application that is distinguished by its security and has unique functions.
This app has a feature called Secret chat … It is responsible for securing messages with end-to-end encryption. On the other hand, it should be noted that this is not a predefined function therefore, in order to use it, you need to know how to activate it. In addition, it allows us to set a four-digit code to prevent attackers from accessing our messages in the event of theft or loss.
Telegram is available free of charge for both mobile applications and computers with operating systems Windows, macOS and Linux. In addition, it has a web version that does not require the application to be open on a mobile phone to be able to use it. We can download it from the developer’s site.
Wickr Me, encrypted messaging for individuals and companies
We are now talking about a messaging application, which is also distinguished by its security, since it is able to offer end-to-end encryption in and messages, and voice, and video. It has a free personal version that allows you to securely send individual or group messages, make calls, and receive files. It also has a Safe Delete feature, which adds another safety point as it does not allow you to recover files that have been deleted.
This app allows group chat with up to 10 participants, receive files up to 10MB, share screen, location, and customize message expiration so that messages can be deleted in a maximum of 6 days. Plus, it has a paid Pro version designed for businesses that need to securely protect their data and communications.
Wickr Me is compatible with mobile phones and computers with operating systems Windows, macOS and Linux. We can download it from this link.
WhatsApp, the most popular app, is also safe
Undoubtedly, this is the standard of instant messaging, it is not for nothing that more than 1,500 million people around the world use it. Since 2016, the application includes Open Whisper Systems an encryption protocol built by Signal on all of its mobile platforms. This way, only the recipient and the sender have the keys to decrypt messages sent through the app, so no one else can see them. Both voice and video calls are encrypted in the same way.
Other security measures that it includes: Confirm Security Code a function with which we can confirm that both calls and messages are encrypted. As good as Two-step check to improve the security of our account by using a PIN to verify the phone number on any device we use.
WhatsApp is available for free and without ads for mobile devices and computers with Windows or macOS. Plus, it has a web version. We can download it from his website.
Threema with end-to-end encryption in accordance with the GDPR
It is an open source instant messaging application designed for generate the least possible amount of data from each user … For your safety, all communications are encrypted end-to-end. The app hosts its own servers in Switzerland and is fully GDPR-compliant. When connected, a random ID is generated for the setup, so binding our email address or phone number is optional.
When in use, there is no way to bypass end-to-end encryption with copying unencrypted messages on the device. It does not have a fingerprint feature and the resulting URLs are not automatically opened. In addition, messages are immediately and irrevocably deleted from the server as soon as they have been delivered to the recipient.
Threema is mobile compatible and also has a version that we can access here.
Which secure messaging app should you choose?
As we can see, we have a large number of instant messaging applications at our disposal that we can safely use as they are end-to-end encrypted. In addition to the most popular ones, such as Telegram or WhatsApp, here we can find tools specially designed to ensure the privacy and security of our data, from which we can highlight Ricochet and signal …
Both applications differ in that they are designed to ensure the maximum security of our conversations. Ricochet is the only messaging service that uses the TOR network for our communication without relying on a central server. Whereas Signal has state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption ensuring no one can read our messages.
