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Chat apps that use end-to-end 256-bit AES, enterprise-level encryption are the holy grail when it comes to privacy. With end-to-end encryption, every message you send is scrambled and encoded right on your phone, and only the intended recipient is able to decode and read it. This encryption process is important because it only allows you and the recipient to read your conversation, preventing malicious parties from spying on and giving you complete peace of mind.
Most Android devices come with a semi-encrypted solution in the default Google Messages SMS app, but is there a better solution?
What is encryption?
The process occurs when the message code is processed by an encryption algorithm (a block of instructions), which must conform to the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Once sent, anyone who listens to the message will only be able to distinguish a scrambled message. This is then decrypted (decoded) on the recipient’s device, a process that hides the message “end-to-end” – from the end of the sender to the end of the recipient.
Encrypted messaging on Android
The Android ecosystem is full of powerful security and privacy-focused mobile apps that allow us to send messages without worrying about whether malicious actors – or government agencies – will be able to read the content. Unfortunately, some of the more popular messaging apps, such as Facebook Messenger and Telegram, don’t offer end-to-end encryption by default (outside of secret chats), which means hackers and the company itself. even could read your messages. if they are able to intercept them. In addition, while the Google Messages app Is it that offer end-to-end encryption when sending messages via RCS, this is still insufficient as this coveted encryption only occurs during individual messages (no group chats) and when chat features are activated by both parties. Google is behind Apple on this point as well, as iMessage provides an end-to-end encrypted multi-device system (as long as you are chatting with someone else using an Apple device).
Therefore, experts agree that users should look to alternatives when chatting with friends, family and colleagues. Fortunately, there are a number of great messaging platforms to choose from that offer true end-to-end encryption within the Android ecosystem. We’ve picked five of our favorites – see which one works best for you …
Signal
Signal is considered to be one of the most secure messaging apps. The mobile app enables end-to-end encryption (using a proven encryption algorithm) on all outgoing text, voice and group chat messages, and also allows sharing of media and attachments.
Other features include self-destruct messages, personalized wallpapers, and animated stickers.
Three
Threema is an open source chat app with unique privacy solutions. It uses the NaCl cryptographic function to encrypt data and offers an anonymous connection via an identification key. In addition, Threema has an “add friends†QR function as well as voice, image, video and text encryption.
Its app is particularly popular in Germany, and while it’s not free ($ 3.99), you might decide it’s a small price to pay for its suite of security features. It is available on Android and iOS.
Wire
Wire is another open source application that offers end-to-end encryption for messages, files, videos, and conference calls. It also offers enterprise-level functions, including serving as a secure collaboration platform for businesses with video conferencing tools included and giving users the ability to use Wire on the company’s own data centers. a company.
Another feature that power users are sure to like is local storage of decryption keys, as opposed to storing keys on online servers. Wire Personal is available for free on iOS and Android and there is also an Enterprise subscription level.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used voice and chat applications on the planet, and it uses the VOIP standard to send voice data over the Internet. As of 2016, the Facebook-owned app – or rather the Meta-owned app – uses Signal’s algorithm to encrypt data sent and received through end-to-end encryption. There are a variety of other functions that WhatsApp uses or is developing, including disappearing messages, transferring chat history, and end-to-end encrypted backups.
WhatsApp is completely free and available on both Android and iOS platforms, so you can chat safely across the ditch.
If you ask us, Signal tops the pack as the most secure and easy-to-use end-to-end encrypted messaging app for the Android platform. While we consider Signal the best, you can’t go wrong with Threema, Wire, or WhatsApp if your only goal is to make sure your chats with friends and family are as secure as possible.
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