#EncryptedMessaging | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

inannaastaroth · 4 months ago

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Decentralized/encrypted communication- special notes for Telegram n Signal

I’m going to b trying all of these, will report back on quality n ease. I’ve been on Signal for awhile now, n have notes abt that at the bottom. I did a deep dive on the founder of Telegram 2-3 yrs ago (the sitch is sketch)

I asked chatGPT what the best decentralized communication platforms were, here’s what it said:

When it comes to strong encryption for messaging and privacy, several platforms stand out. Here’s a list of some of the most highly regarded options based on their encryption practices and focus on user privacy:

1. Signal

Signal is widely considered the gold standard for encrypted messaging. It uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all messages, voice, and video calls. Its open-source nature means that security experts can review its code, and it’s widely trusted for its commitment to privacy. Signal collects minimal data about users and has no way to access your messages.

2. WhatsApp

Owned by Meta (Facebook), WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for both personal and group chats. While WhatsApp’s encryption is strong, the platform has faced criticism for data-sharing policies with Meta. However, its encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages, not even WhatsApp itself.

3. Threema

Threema is a paid messaging app that prides itself on its security. It uses end-to-end encryption and does not require a phone number or email to register, further protecting your identity. Threema also offers features like anonymous polls and file sharing while keeping data minimal.

4. Wire

Wire offers end-to-end encryption and focuses on both individual and group communications. It’s open-source and has a strong focus on privacy, with a unique feature of allowing users to sign up using just an email address, without requiring a phone number.

5. ProtonMail

While not a messaging app, ProtonMail is a secure email service offering end-to-end encryption, meaning emails are encrypted and only the sender and recipient can decrypt them. ProtonMail is open-source and located in Switzerland, which offers strong privacy laws.

6. Session

Session is a decentralized, privacy-focused messaging app that doesn’t require a phone number or email address for registration. It uses end-to-end encryption for messages and is built on a blockchain-like protocol that prevents any central authority from tracking communications.

7. Element (formerly Riot.im)

Element is an open-source messaging app built on the Matrix protocol. It supports end-to-end encryption and is designed for decentralized, secure communication. Element allows for self-hosting, which provides more control over privacy and security.

8. Jami

Jami is a peer-to-peer, open-source communication platform that offers secure messaging, voice, and video calls with end-to-end encryption. It’s decentralized and doesn’t rely on central servers, meaning there is no company controlling or collecting your data.

9. Tox

Tox is a peer-to-peer, decentralized chat app that offers end-to-end encryption for text, voice, and video chats. It doesn’t store any data on centralized servers, giving users more control over their communications.

When choosing a platform, it’s essential to consider your security needs and whether you trust the platform’s policies. For highly sensitive communication, apps like Signal, Threema, and Session offer some of the best encryption with minimal data collection.

Signal specific stuff ChatGPT said:

While Signal is widely regarded as one of the best in terms of privacy and security, there are some nuances and concerns to consider. Let’s break down the pros and cons of Signal’s privacy and security:

Strengths of Signal:

1. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE):

Signal uses robust E2EE for all messages, calls, and media. This means that only the sender and receiver can decrypt the content, not even Signal itself can access it.

2. Minimal Data Collection:

Signal collects very little data. It only stores your phone number (which is used for registration), and even that can be considered anonymous to an extent. The platform doesn’t store metadata about messages or calls, and there’s no central server where your communication is logged.

3. Open Source:

Signal is open-source, meaning its code is publicly available for inspection by independent security experts. This transparency ensures that security flaws can be quickly discovered and addressed.

4. No Ads or Tracking:

Signal doesn’t serve ads or track users for profit, unlike many other platforms, especially those owned by larger corporations. This helps to maintain a cleaner, more secure experience.

5. Strong Encryption Protocols:

Signal uses the Signal Protocol, which is considered state-of-the-art and is used by other apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for secure messaging.

Potential Concerns:

1. Phone Number Requirement:

One of the major privacy concerns with Signal is that it requires a phone number for registration. This means that your identity is still tied to a phone number, which can be linked back to you through telecommunications providers. While Signal doesn’t store metadata or call logs, the phone number association could potentially be used to track users in some cases (e.g., if linked to your identity in a breach or via data collection by telecom providers).

2. Metadata and Connection Logs:

Although Signal doesn’t store message content, it does store some metadata, such as the date and time you registered, your phone number, and the last time you used the service. However, this information is minimal compared to other platforms, and it’s not linked to the content of your conversations. Still, the metadata can potentially be used for tracing your activity in specific circumstances.

3. Owned by a Non-Profit (Signal Foundation):

While Signal is independent and not owned by a profit-driven corporation, its governance and funding may influence decisions in the future. The non-profit structure is relatively transparent, but it’s still a factor to consider.

4. SMS/Call Vulnerabilities:

Since Signal registers via your phone number, if an attacker can intercept or spoof your phone number (such as through SIM swapping), they could potentially gain access to your Signal account. This isn’t unique to Signal, but it’s a vulnerability shared by all phone-based verification services.

In Summary:

Signal is one of the best messaging apps in terms of privacy and security, but it’s not entirely immune to all forms of tracking or attack. The primary concern is the phone number requirement, which links your identity to the service, and the minimal metadata that is still stored. However, for most users, Signal remains one of the most secure and privacy-respecting messaging platforms available.

If phone number association is a dealbreaker for you, alternatives like Session or Jami (which don’t require phone numbers) may be worth exploring.

Using a platform like Telegram carries several risks, despite its popularity as a messaging and communication tool. Here are some of the primary risks to be aware of:

1. Privacy Concerns:

• Data Collection: Telegram collects some user data, including metadata about your messages and contacts, which could be used for profiling or surveillance. While Telegram offers end-to-end encryption in its secret chats, regular cloud chats are not fully encrypted.

• Non-End-to-End Encryption in Cloud Chats: Cloud chats are stored on Telegram’s servers, meaning they are potentially accessible to Telegram itself and could be vulnerable to hacking or legal requests from authorities. Although Telegram claims to use strong encryption, the lack of full end-to-end encryption in these chats increases the risk of exposure.

2. Hacking and Security Vulnerabilities:

• Account Hijacking: Telegram is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks, where hackers gain access to your phone number and take over your account. This can allow them to read your messages, access groups, and even change your settings.

• Phishing Attacks: Like many messaging platforms, Telegram is susceptible to phishing attacks, where attackers may impersonate legitimate users or organizations to steal your personal information, credentials, or cryptocurrency.

• Malware and Links: Telegram can be used to share harmful links or files that contain malware. These can infect your device or steal sensitive information if you interact with them.

3. Data Retention:

• Cloud Storage: Even though Telegram offers some privacy features, all messages and media in regular cloud chats are stored on Telegram’s servers. If Telegram’s servers are compromised, your data could be exposed or leaked.

• Limited Control Over Data: Telegram’s data retention practices may not align with privacy expectations. For example, cloud chats are stored indefinitely unless you manually delete them, which could expose you to risks if Telegram’s infrastructure is compromised.

4. Lack of Transparency:

• Proprietary Code: Telegram is not fully open-source, meaning some parts of the platform (especially its back-end servers) are proprietary. This reduces transparency around how data is handled and potentially exposes users to unseen risks that cannot be audited by third-party experts.

• Unclear Moderation: Telegram has faced criticism for its limited content moderation and the ability of users to join anonymous or private groups that might engage in illegal or harmful activities. While Telegram has taken some steps to combat this, it’s still possible to encounter problematic content or misuse of the platform.

5. Legal and Regulatory Risks:

• Government Surveillance: While Telegram markets itself as being resistant to government surveillance, some countries may still have access to user data through court orders or other legal means. In certain authoritarian regimes, using Telegram might increase the likelihood of being monitored or targeted by the government.

• Compliance Issues: Telegram has been banned or restricted in several countries due to its association with privacy and its ability to host groups with controversial content. This could present problems if you are in a jurisdiction where access to the platform is restricted or monitored.

6. Fake Accounts and Scams:

• Impersonation: Many people use Telegram for anonymous communication, and it’s common for scammers or malicious actors to create fake profiles and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations to deceive users.

• Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams: Telegram groups are often used for fraudulent schemes, such as pump-and-dump cryptocurrency scams, fake ICOs (initial coin offerings), and other forms of financial fraud. These can be difficult to spot and may lead to significant financial loss.

7. Exposure to Harmful Communities:

• Extremist Groups and Unregulated Content: Telegram allows users to create private groups and channels, and it has gained popularity among extremist groups, hackers, and other illicit communities. This can expose users to harmful content, radicalization, or illegal activities if they are not careful about which groups they join.

8. Device-Specific Risks:

• Cross-Platform Vulnerabilities: If you’re using Telegram across multiple devices, such as a phone and desktop app, the app’s security could be compromised if one of your devices is less secure or if Telegram’s synchronization system is hacked.

9. Unencrypted Backups:

• Backup Risks: If you create backups of your chats or media, they may not be encrypted, depending on the device or settings you use. This increases the risk of sensitive information being exposed if your backups are not properly secured.

10. Overreliance on Telegram:

• Centralized Platform: While Telegram is marketed as a decentralized messaging platform, it is still ultimately controlled by a central organization, meaning the platform could be shut down, compromised, or censored if its administrators or the government make changes to its access or policies. Relying too heavily on Telegram for communication, especially in sensitive situations, can increase your risk if the platform is suddenly disrupted.

In summary, while Telegram provides useful privacy features and a decentralized approach to messaging, there are still important risks around data privacy, security, and moderation that users need to be aware of. Always take precautions, such as using encrypted chats, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and being cautious about the groups and individuals you engage with on the platform.

Hope that helps y’all! I’m going to start a Substack soon that I will update weekly w everything I’ve read n learned thru the week.

May we know Cosmic, Non-dual Truth, may Cosmic, Non-dual Truth set us free,

💖Inanna Astaroth🖤

#signal #encryption #encryptedmessaging #telegram #communication #community #data privacy

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