Security and privacy should be your top priority when using a messaging app. But how secure are the giant messenger apps? Is it better to use Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp?
Consider a report by Comparitech on the Privacy Policy of Internet Giants that states (among other things) Facebook Messenger shared user data with third parties — often without users’ knowledge or consent.
So if privacy is your priority when choosing a messaging app, it’s important to consider which one provides the best encryption and security. So, which app is the most secure? Let’s take a look at the contenders: Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
Signal Security
Signal is a secure messaging app that provides end-to-end encryption for all its communications. It is an old app, it was created in 2014, so for now it has 9 years since it first release. Based on businessofapps statistics, Signal has more than 40 million active users worldwide.
Its default mode is designed to protect your messages from anyone except the intended recipient. It also features additional security features such as disappearing messages, message expiration times, user verification, and more.
In addition to being one of the most secure messaging apps available, Signal encryption is also open source, meaning that the code is publicly available for inspection. This ensures that its encryption system has no hidden backdoors or security flaws.
So is the Signal app secure? The short answer is yes — Signal offers strong encryption and a commitment to user privacy that makes it one of the most secure messaging apps available.
WhatsApp security
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users. It’s also one of the most secure — WhatsApp uses a combination of end-to-end encryption and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to protect all messages sent through its platform.
In addition to offering an encrypted messaging service, WhatsApp security also has several elements that help protect its users. These include two-factor authentication, encryption for media files, and the ability to set expiration times for messages.
Signal vs. Whatsapp
Is Signal better than Whatsapp? While Signal and WhatsApp both provide strong encryption and security, there are some key differences between the two apps.
For starters, Signal is an open-source platform that doesn’t collect user data or traffic logs — whereas WhatsApp collects user data for advertising purposes. Additionally, Signal’s messages can be set to disappear after a certain amount of time, whereas WhatsApp messages can remain on the server and be accessed by anyone with access to the account.
Finally, Signal’s encryption protocol is considered to be stronger than WhatsApp’s — making it a better choice for those who prioritize security. Both apps provide strong encryption and reliable security but Signal edges out WhatsApp regarding privacy and data protection.
Telegram app security
Telegram is a popular messaging app with millions of users around the world. According to the latest data, Telegram has more than 700 million active monthly users, plus to that 55+ million daily active users, and this is really a lot.
Its encryption system offers similar security measures to Signal, such as end-to-end encryption and message expiration times.
However, there are some key differences that make Telegram less secure than its competitor — namely, it’s not open source and has been found to have some security issues in the past.
For example, researchers have found that messages sent on Telegram are stored in plain text for an unspecified amount of time, leaving them vulnerable to potential interception or manipulation by third parties. Additionally, messages stored on Telegram’s servers can be decrypted by anyone with access to the server.
The Verdict: Signal vs Telegram vs WhatsApp
When it comes to security, Signal is the clear winner. It offers robust end-to-end encryption and a self-destruct feature that makes sure your messages are always secure. Telegram is also a great option if you want to take advantage of features like message expiration times.
However, if you’re looking for an app that also provides maximum privacy and data protection, Signal is the way to go. Its open-source encryption system means that there are no backdoors or security flaws in its code, making it one of the safest messaging apps available.
Ultimately, the choice between Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp depends on your security priorities. Consider the features of each app to determine which one is right for you. With the right app, you can be sure that your messages will stay secure and private.
FAQs
What is the most secure messaging app?
The most secure messaging app is Signal. It offers strong end-to-end encryption, an open-source encryption system, and a self-destruct feature that makes sure your messages are always secure.
Does Telegram have end-to-end encryption?
Yes, Telegram does offer end-to-end encryption for all messages sent through its platform. However, researchers have found that messages stored on Telegram can still be decrypted by anyone with access to the server.
How do I know if my messages are secure?
If you’re using an app like Signal or Telegram, your messages should be secure as long as you adhere to the security protocols set in place by the app.
To double-check your security settings, look for any privacy and encryption options that are available within the app. Additionally, make sure you avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured networks.
Are there any drawbacks to using a secure messaging app?
The main drawback is that secure messaging apps can be more difficult to use than standard messaging apps. Additionally, some features such as group chats may not be available on all secure messaging apps.
What other things can you do to keep your conversations secure?
In addition to using a secure messaging app, you should also consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. VPNs provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. This makes it harder for malicious actors to track your online activity or intercept any messages you send.
However, not all VPNs are the same and we recommend using a premium service provider like ClearVPN. They use OpenVPN — the most secure protocol available and offer advanced features such as split tunneling and kill switch technology to help you stay safe online.