Signal: A secure and robust private messaging app!

In January 2024, WhatsApp’s privacy update sparked widespread concern among its two billion users, who were prompted to accept the new policy allowing the messaging app to share their data, including location, battery level, IMEI number, and mobile network information, with its parent company, Facebook. Refusal to accept the update resulted in the threat of account deletion. The in-app notification clarified that WhatsApp collects information for operational improvement, customization, support, and marketing purposes based on user interactions with the service. This announcement triggered a wave of global outrage and backlash from users, leading to a significant backlash against WhatsApp and its parent company, Facebook. However, amidst the uproar, competitors saw an opportunity to capitalize on WhatsApp’s misstep.

Enter Signal

Following the contentious privacy policy update of the world’s most popular messaging app, trust issues have surfaced, prompting users to explore alternatives like Signal. In the wake of escalating security threats, data breaches, and account hacking incidents, prioritizing security in mobile app development has become paramount, particularly in creating secure encrypted messaging apps akin to Signal. Once relegated to the domain of tech enthusiasts and cybersecurity specialists, Signal has experienced significant growth in recent months. This surge was further propelled by a single tweet from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, catapulting Signal into the spotlight.

The surge in popularity of Signal was so pronounced that it led to service outages. According to data from Sensor Tower, app downloads skyrocketed by a staggering 62-fold, reaching nearly 18 million within a week.

So, How does Signal work?

Signal, an open-source centralized encrypted messaging service application, facilitates sharing one-to-one or group messages, including audio, video, images, files, and documents over the Internet. It’s accessible on both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. With privacy as its utmost priority, Signal ensures that all messages and calls on the app are end-to-end encrypted, meaning not even Signal or any third party can access them. Moreover, to make Signal more familiar to WhatsApp users, the app has been introducing features such as animated stickers, chat wallpapers, image editing tools, and more, resembling those found in the Facebook-acquired app.

How does Signal achieve such a high level of security?

End-to-end encryption is the cornerstone of secure messaging apps like Signal, ensuring that messages are encrypted on one device and decrypted on another.

Here’s how it works: When two users initiate a conversation, two sets of keys are created — a private key stored on the user’s device and a public key stored on the service provider’s server. When User A sends a message to User B, it is encrypted using the public key, ensuring it can only be decrypted with the private key. Once decrypted, the message is readable only by User B. This encrypted data is stored on servers but remains unreadable without the private key, making it highly secure. However, both parties must use the same app; for instance, a message sent on Signal can’t be received on WhatsApp. Signal employs its encryption method called the Whisper Protocol, which adds multiple layers of security, making data breaches highly unlikely. Alongside encryption, Signal offers additional features like registration lock, blurred photos, disappearing messages, and encrypted calls, further enhancing its security. As for revenue generation, let’s delve into how Signal earns its income.

Signal, the ultimate fortress of secure messaging, doesn’t rely on any old encryption method; it has its secret sauce called the Whisper Protocol. This nifty encryption technique adds layers upon layers of security, making it practically impervious to data breaches.

But wait, there’s more! Signal goes above and beyond with features like a Registration Lock to keep unwanted intruders out, Blurred Photos to shield your privacy, Disappearing Messages for that extra layer of secrecy, and Encrypted Calls to ensure your conversations stay between you and your intended recipient. It’s like having a personal security guard for every message you send!