Signal

The Gold Standard for Encrypted Messaging

Why Signal?

Signal is recommended by security experts worldwide, including Edward Snowden. It provides end-to-end encryption by default with minimal metadata collection.

E2E Encryption

Signal Protocol, audited and proven

Security

Minimal Metadata

Only stores phone number and last connection

Privacy

Open Source

Fully auditable codebase

Transparency

Non-Profit

No ads, no tracking, funded by donations

Trust

Key Features

  • End-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and video
  • Disappearing messages (auto-delete timer)
  • Sealed sender (hides who sent message)
  • Screen security (block screenshots)
  • Registration lock (prevents SIM swap)
  • Relay calls through Signal servers
  • Note to self (encrypted notes)

Recommended Setup

Privacy Settings

  • Enable Registration Lock (Settings > Account)
  • Enable Screen Lock
  • Enable Screen Security
  • Disable Link Previews
  • Set default disappearing message timer
  • Relay calls to hide IP

Verification

Verify safety numbers with contacts in person to ensure no MITM attack:

verification
1. Open conversation
2. Tap contact name → View Safety Number
3. Compare numbers or scan QR in person
4. Mark as verified

Limitations

Phone Number Required Registration requires a phone number (use secondary number for privacy)
Centralized Relies on Signal's servers (single point of failure)
Device Security Encryption doesn't help if device is compromised
Related

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