Secure Messaging Systems

tag: [Engineer/Developer, Security Specialist]

Using secure messaging systems is crucial for protecting the privacy and integrity of your communications. Here are some popular messaging systems that offer end-to-end encryption and those that do not by default.

End-to-End Encrypted Messaging Systems

  1. Signal

    • Offers strong end-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls, and video calls.
    • Open source and highly recommended for secure communication.
    • Signal

  2. Matrix/Element

    • An open standard for decentralized communication with end-to-end encryption.
    • Element is a popular client for the Matrix protocol.
    • Matrix / Element

  3. WhatsApp

    • Provides end-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls, and video calls by default.
    • Owned by Meta (Facebook).
    • WhatsApp

  4. Wire

    • End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
    • Open source with a strong focus on privacy.
    • Wire

Messaging Systems Without Default End-to-End Encryption

These messaging systems suppsedly provides encryption for data in transit and at rest, but not end-to-end encryption for messages.

  1. Telegram

    • Offers end-to-end encryption only for "Secret Chats".
    • Telegram

  2. Discord

    • Does not offer end-to-end encryption for messages.
    • Discord

  3. Zoom

    • End-to-end encryption for calls, but must be manually enabled.
    • Zoom

  4. Slack

    • Does not offer end-to-end encryption for messages.
    • Slack

  5. Microsoft Teams

For secure communication, it is recommended to use messaging systems that offer end-to-end encryption by default.