Privacy and security have become increasingly important for messaging apps in recent years. As more private data is shared digitally, users are looking for ways to communicate safely without their data being exposed. In 2024, there are several secure messaging apps that stand out from the rest by prioritizing strong encryption, privacy features, and security protections.
Signal
Signal is widely considered the most secure messaging app available. It is developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation and uses end-to-end encryption to secure all communications.
Some key features that make Signal so secure:
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End-to-end encryption – All messages, media, and calls are encrypted so only the sender and recipient can access them. Not even Signal has access.
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Open source – Signal’s code is open source and has been vetted by security experts and audited for vulnerabilities. This transparency builds trust.
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Minimal data collection – Signal collects very little user data, only what is necessary to operate the service. There is no advertising or data monetization.
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Pin codes – An optional setting can require a pin code to access the app, adding another layer of security.
In 2024, I expect Signal to continue leading the industry in privacy-focused messaging. With its non-profit model and focus on security, Signal has the trust of journalists, activists, and experts looking for the most secure communication.
Session
Session is a relatively new secure messaging app, but it has quickly gained popularity for its unique approach to privacy.
Here’s what makes Session so secure:
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Onion routing – Messages are routed through an onion network similar to Tor to obscure metadata like user locations. This prevents network surveillance.
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Perfect forward secrecy – All encrypted data is deleted after sending, so past communications remain secure even if encryption is somehow compromised in the future.
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Multi-device support – Session syncs securely across devices while maintaining end-to-end encryption, a difficult technical challenge.
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Minimal data collection – No personal data, contacts, or metadata are collected. The service is funded through donations.
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Open source development – Anyone can audit Session’s code on GitHub. Bounties are offered for identifying vulnerabilities.
While not as established as Signal, Session brings some unique security features that may make it the most secure option in 2024 for users concerned about potential network monitoring.
Briar
Briar is an interesting secure messaging app because it works entirely peer-to-peer over Bluetooth and WiFi, without any servers. This provides security through obscurity.
Briar’s key security features include:
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No servers – Without servers, there is no central point that could hand over data to authorities or get hacked. Data stays between users.
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Peer-to-peer encrypted – Messages are end-to-end encrypted between users with no middleman. Only those in a conversation can read messages.
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Tor integration – Briar can connect through Tor to route internet traffic anonymously and add metadata protection.
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Self-healing networks – If one connection path is compromised, Briar can reroute messages through other peer connections.
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Perfect forward secrecy – Past communications remain secure even if encryption keys are somehow compromised.
Briar’s unique approach gives it security properties unlike any other messaging app in 2024. While not as user friendly, Briar provides robust security especially for activists, journalists, and those in high-risk situations.
Key Takeaways
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Signal provides the best overall security and usability with strong encryption and minimal data collection.
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Session brings sophisticated encryption features like onion routing and perfect forward secrecy.
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Briar has a unique decentralized, peer-to-peer design without servers.
The most secure messaging in 2024 will likely involve a combination of strong encryption, open source code, minimal metadata collection, and decentralization to limit trust in central points of failure. As surveillance technology evolves, these apps push the boundaries of privacy-focused communication.
