Decentralized Messengers: Choosing the Safest Way of Communication

[Friend]

A guide to the world of secure messengers: features, advantages and disadvantages of modern platforms.

The world of communications has changed dramatically since Samuel Morse sent the first telegram in 1844. Today, we can instantly communicate with people around the world using smartphones. However, as technology advances, a natural question arises: how secure are our digital conversations?

In this article, we will look at modern solutions in the field of secure communications, paying special attention to decentralized messengers that promise to return control over their data to users. We will analyze various approaches to ensuring security and privacy, from time-tested solutions to innovative developments in the field of cybersecurity.

Centralized messengers with enhanced security​

Signal: Reliability and ease of use​

Type: Open-source centralized messenger.
Features: Signal offers a comprehensive solution for secure communication, including end-to-end encryption, secure voice and video calls.
Pros: High level of encryption, high-quality audio and video features, verified by security experts.
Cons: Requires a phone number for registration, which may limit anonymity.

Molly: A Enhanced Version of Signal​

Type: A fork of the Signal messenger with additional security features.
Features: Molly is based on the Signal codebase, but offers advanced security features.
Pros: Increased anonymity, improved security mechanisms.
Cons: Less popular than Signal.

Threema: Paid Solution for Maximum Privacy​

Type: Paid centralized messenger.
Features: Threema offers a high level of anonymity without using a phone number or email.
Advantages: Maximum anonymity, data is stored only on the user's device, compliance with Swiss privacy laws.
Disadvantages: Paid service, closed source code.

P2P messengers: direct communication without intermediaries​

TwinMe: Chat without servers​

Type: P2P messenger.
Features: TwinMe provides direct communication between users without using central servers.
Advantages: No need for registration, completely decentralized communication.
Disadvantages: Limited functionality, less known.

Snikket (XMPP): Flexible Open Protocol Solution​

Type: Messenger based on the open XMPP protocol.
Features: Snikket uses the XMPP protocol, allowing you to create custom messaging solutions.
Advantages: Ability to set up your own server, decentralization, wide choice of clients.
Disadvantages: Requires certain technical knowledge, some modern features may be missing.

Messengers on alternative networks​

Briar Project: Communication in the absence of the Internet​

Type: Messenger based on a Mesh network.
Features: Briar can work via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi even without an Internet connection.
Advantages: Functions without the Internet, high level of privacy, complete decentralization.
Disadvantages: Limited functionality, the need for physical proximity of devices for communication.

OnionShare: Anonymous Messaging via Tor​

Type: Messenger and file sharing service based on the Tor network.
Features: OnionShare provides anonymous communication and file sharing via the Tor network.
Advantages: High level of anonymity, ability to share files.
Disadvantages: Relatively low speed, can be difficult for beginners.

Messengers with a higher level of anonymity​

Session: Maximum anonymity​

Type: Decentralized messenger with a high level of anonymity.
Features: Session does not require a phone number or email, all messages go through the Tor network.
Advantages: The highest level of anonymity, no logs, decentralized structure.
Disadvantages: Limited functionality, less popularity.

SimpleX Chat: Simplicity and security​

Type: Decentralized and anonymous messenger.
Features: SimpleX Chat focuses on minimalism and maximum security.
Advantages: High level of anonymity, decentralization, no metadata.
Disadvantages: Limited functionality, low popularity.

Cabal: Creating Closed Communities​

Type: Decentralized platform for creating closed groups.
Features: Cabal allows you to create isolated communities with a high level of security.
Advantages: Complete decentralization, the ability to create closed groups.
Disadvantages: Low popularity, limited functionality.

Comparative table of messengers​

Messenger	Type	Advantages	Flaws
Signal	Centralized	Reliable encryption, audio/video calls	Phone number required
Molly	Fork Signal	Increased anonymity, additional protection	Less Popularity
Threema	Paid centralized	High anonymity, local data storage	Paid service, closed source
TwinMe	P2P decentralized	No registration, no servers	Limited functionality
Snikket (XMPP)	Open protocol	Possibility of own server, decentralization	Technical knowledge required
Briar Project	Mesh network	Work without internet, high privacy	Limited functionality, requires proximity of devices
OnionShare	Via Tor	High anonymity, file sharing	Low speed
Session	Decentralized	Complete anonymity, no logs	Limited functionality
SimpleX Chat	Decentralized	Complete anonymity, no metadata	Limited functionality
Cabal	Decentralized	Full decentralization, closed groups	Low popularity, limited functionality

Conclusion​

The choice of a secure messenger depends on the individual user's needs, the level of protection required, and technical capabilities. Signal offers the optimal combination of security and convenience for most users. For those who value maximum anonymity, Session may be the best choice. Users who prefer full control may want to consider XMPP-based solutions such as Snikket. Briar Project may be useful in situations with limited internet access.

It is important to remember that even the most secure messenger does not guarantee complete security if the user does not follow basic rules of digital hygiene. It is recommended to use different messengers for different purposes, regularly update the software and be careful when exchanging confidential information.

Recommendations for safe use of instant messengers​

1. Diversify your communications: Use different messengers for different purposes. For example, one for work communication, another for personal contacts, and a third for particularly confidential conversations.
2. Regular updates: Always install the latest versions of software. Developers are constantly improving the security of their products.
3. Two-factor authentication: Enable this feature wherever it is available. It significantly increases the level of security for your account.
4. Be careful when sharing information: Even in the most secure chats, you should be careful not to share overly sensitive information unless necessary.
5. Cybersecurity Education: Regularly study news and trends in information security. Technology evolves quickly, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest developments.

Legal aspects of using secure messengers​

When choosing and using secure messengers, it is necessary to consider legal aspects. In some countries, the use of certain applications may be restricted or prohibited by law.

Important legal points:​

• Compliance with local laws: Before using any messenger, make sure that its use does not contradict the laws of your country.
• Potential Legal Consequences: Using prohibited services may result in civil or even criminal penalties in some jurisdictions.
• Restrictions on the use of encryption: A number of countries have restrictions on the use of strong encryption or require that encryption keys be provided upon request to authorities.

How to comply with the law and maintain privacy:​

1. Research local laws: Learn about data protection and encryption laws in your country.
2. Use legal alternatives: Choose messengers that comply with local laws but still provide a sufficient level of protection.
3. Monitoring changes in legislation: Keep up to date with changes in laws related to information security and data protection.
4. Ethical Practices: Use secure messaging services responsibly, without violating laws or the rights of others.

Final thoughts​

The world of secure communications is constantly evolving, offering increasingly sophisticated solutions to ensure user privacy and security. Choosing the right messenger is a balance between the level of protection, ease of use, and compliance with legal regulations.

Remember that technology is just a tool, and its effectiveness depends largely on how we use it. Following basic digital security rules, being aware of potential threats, and sharing information responsibly are key factors in keeping your communications safe.

As technology evolves and legislation changes in the field of information security, it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and adapt your methods of protecting communications accordingly. Security is a continuous process, not an end point, and our vigilance is our best defense in a rapidly changing digital world.

Source