With recent cyberattacks exposing regular phone calls, US officials are recommending encrypted messaging apps for safer communication. I’m trying to understand what the best options are and how to switch safely. Can someone guide me on the best practices and reliable apps?
Alright, let’s be real—if you’re not already using an encrypted messaging app in 2023, you’re basically leaving your front door wide open with a neon ‘HACK ME’ sign. Cyberattackers love that energy. Anyway, here’s the tea:
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Signal: It’s the holy grail of security apps. Open-source, no data collection, and endorsed by actual tech nerds. Even Edward Snowden gave it a thumbs-up, and if it’s good enough for Mr. Leak Everything…
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Telegram: Cool, but only if you use their Secret Chats feature since regular chats aren’t end-to-end encrypted by default. Plus, do you even trust anything that trendy?
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WhatsApp: Technically encrypted, but owned by Meta (aka Facebook), so you’re trusting the data hoarders not to mess up.
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iMessage: Great if you’re trapped in Apple’s walled garden—encrypted and user-friendly, but useless for cross-platform convos.
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Threema & Wire: Overlooked gems. Paid but worth it if you’re taking your security that seriously.
Switching safely is simple—start with Signal, text your friends ‘pls get this ASAP, it’s free and we won’t get hacked anymore,’ and voilà. If someone refuses, just ghost them—they clearly don’t care about your safekeeping enough. Priorities, folks.
Switching to an encrypted messaging app is kind of a no-brainer these days, considering how exposed traditional calls and texts are. But I’d say @chasseurdetoiles might be a little overly dramatic about ghosting your non-tech-savvy friends—let’s give them a chance to adapt, shall we? Anyway, here’s my take:
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Element (formerly Riot.im): It’s not on @chasseurdetoiles’ list, which shocks me because this app is based on the Matrix protocol—a fully decentralized, open-source chat solution. It’s super customizable, though the UI can feel clunky if you’re not a die-hard techie. Great for people who hate Big Tech and want to go indie.
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Session: Another overlooked option built on blockchain tech. It doesn’t even require a phone number to sign up, which is perfect for folks obsessed with anonymity. But heads up, it’s still new-ish, so not as polished as Signal.
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Proton Mail’s Bridge for Chats (Proton Chat?): Proton’s ecosystem keeps expanding, but the reliability and user base aren’t as large as the others yet. Still, one to keep an eye on if you want alignment with their other secure services.
And speaking of Signal—a solid choice, but I wouldn’t treat it as the only one. Centralized systems come with risks too. Diversifying depending on your needs might make your messages a little safer. And don’t fall for appearance—Telegram may win for its stickers and GIFs, but if you’re not clicking “Secret Chats,” you’re basically already halfway hacked.
For switching, I’d suggest being gentle with your group chats and easing them into it. Tell them to use it alongside their regular apps at first; not everyone’s ready to toss WhatsApp just because Zuck’s breathing down their neck. But saying “ghost them”? Bruh, slow down.