Privacy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in today’s digital world.
With the increasing number of cyber attacks, it is more important than ever to protect user information.
The use of secure messaging has become a popular tool to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal data.
However, there are still some risks associated with using messaging platforms, making it essential to follow specific best practices to protect user privacy. You don’t have to be Edward Snowden to be worried about hackers – this is something that everybody should be concerned about.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best practices for secure messaging to protect user privacy and make sure that data stays secure and private.
What Exactly is “Secure Messaging” – and Why is it Important?
In an age of heightened online activity, the promise of a secure messaging system sounds enticing to both individuals and businesses alike. But what exactly is “secure messaging,” and how is it different from traditional messaging?
Let’s take a closer look.
Compliance
Secure messaging is especially important in certain industries, such as healthcare, where strict regulations must be met to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
Secure messaging can help healthcare providers comply with HIPAA regulations, which require the secure transmission of electronic protected health information (ePHI).
Secure messaging systems can make sure that messages sent between healthcare providers and patients are secure, and that any personal information exchanged is encrypted.
Security
Secure messaging is designed to provide a higher level of security than traditional messaging platforms.
These messaging platforms use end-to-end encryption, which means that the message is encrypted before it leaves the sender’s device, and it stays encrypted until it reaches the recipient’s device.
As a result, only the sender and recipient can access the message’s content, even if someone intercepts the message during transmission.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The traditional messaging service provider does not guarantee a high level of privacy, and there is a risk of messages being intercepted or read by third parties.
On the other hand, secure messaging platforms use encryption and other security measures to make sure that only the intended recipient can access the message, protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the message’s content.
Trust
Secure messaging also helps build and maintain trust between individuals and businesses. When individuals use secure messaging to share sensitive information, they are putting their trust in the messaging platform’s security measures to protect their information.
For businesses, using a secure messaging platform signals to customers that their privacy and security are taken seriously, which can help build trust and loyalty.
Best Practices for Secure Messaging
All messaging apps are not created equal – and some may put your sensitive information at risk. Here are some of the best practices for secure messaging to pay attention to.
Use End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption is widely considered the most secure type of encryption available for messaging. It means that only the sender and recipient can access the content of a message, and no one else, including the service provider, can see or access it.
Add Client-Side Encryption for an Additional Layer of Security
While end-to-end encryption is an excellent way to protect your messages, some messaging apps may still be vulnerable to attacks or vulnerabilities.
Adding client-side encryption provides an additional layer of security by encrypting messages on the sender’s side before being sent to the recipient.
User Authentication
User authentication adds another level of security to your messaging app. This feature allows you to confirm the identity of the person you’re chatting with before sharing sensitive information.
You can use a security code, fingerprint, or voice recognition to authenticate the other person’s identity.
Server Authentication
By enabling server authentication, every message sent or received has a trusted source, eliminating the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks. Double check that the server certificates are up-to-date and valid since expired or fraudulent certificates can cause security vulnerabilities.
Message Validation
The information you share through your messaging platform can be sensitive, and ensuring accurate message validation guarantees that the right person receives the message.
Miscommunication can be disastrous, such as in the case of sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient.
Secure Socket Layer Protocol
The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are standard encryption technologies used in securing all types of online communication. By encrypting information shared through messaging platforms using these protocols, businesses protect their sensitive data from interception by cybercriminals.
Keep your SSL and TLS protocol up-to-date, as old versions are vulnerable to malicious attacks.
Try a Web Application Firewall
One of the most valuable strategies to adopt for secure messaging is using a web application firewall (WAF). WAFs operate as a security barrier for web applications, preventing phishing and other cyber attacks from compromising your information. As a firewall solution, it monitors traffic passing between the internet and the user’s device, minimizing risks from unwarranted data access.
When using a WAF, make sure it is configured to inspect all traffic, including encrypted traffic. Your network security needs to be kept up to date at all times.
Turn Off Cloud Backups
Keeping a backup of your messages on the cloud, in theory, sounds like an excellent idea. It ensures you can always retrieve a copy of messages if necessary.
However, automatic cloud backups tend to enhance the vulnerability of messages. In a worst-case scenario, if this cloud storage gets breached or hacked, it can pose a severe threat to your information’s security. This is true of the Apple iCloud, for iPhone users, as well as for other cloud services as well.
To avoid this, skip cloud backups of messages, particularly confidential messages, and data. Instead, consider using third-party programs that regularly back up the metadata but remove it from your device when it is in the cloud.
Keep Your Devices Secure
Make sure your devices are secure before using messaging applications and platforms for confidential business or communication exchanges.
Secure your login page with a robust password or use two-factor authentication. Security applications like anti-virus and malware protection suitably installed on your devices also add a layer of protection against malicious third-party access.
Also, regularly updating your device’s operating system, firmware, and applications can ensure that any potential vulnerabilities are patched.
Schedule Regular Software Updates
Pay attention to regular updates for your choice of messaging app. These updates generally come with security patches, bug fixes, and any other necessary adjustments to provide you with a safe and secure platform for communication.
Also, keep in mind that your device should also be updated to the latest software version to provide seamless communication and avoid security breaches.
Limit Server Access to Only Authorized Users
Limiting access to the message server can dramatically reduce the susceptibility of hacking.
You can implement access restrictions by using different login credentials for each user and by making use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to make sure that only authorized personnel can access the servers.
Conduct Regular Server Audits
Routine server audits help users make sure that the software running on the servers is current and doesn’t have any exploits or vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of.
A regular audit of servers enhances your messaging security by detecting any potential issues, correcting them quickly, and preventing any potential security threats.
Educate Users on Security Risks
Many users are unaware of the security risks associated with messaging apps, such as phishing or social engineering attacks. Educate yourself and anyone you work with on the dangers of opening suspicious messages or clicking on unknown links.
Also, consider installing antivirus software that can detect malware and malicious links. This will go a long way in ensuring that your messages are secure from external attacks.
Limit the Information Sent via SMS
Text messages or Short Messaging Service (SMS) is a default feature on every mobile phone. However, SMS is not a secure means of messaging. Encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal (which is run by a non-profit), Telegram, or Sekur are more secure alternatives for your sensitive data.
If you must use SMS messaging, avoid sending sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card information or banking credentials.
Practice Good Data Management
Keep your messages safe by frequently deleting old or unwanted messages from your devices. Encourage your contacts to do the same, especially when you’ve finished depositing sensitive data via messaging apps. Also, switch off auto-save for media in your messaging app settings to avoid saving sensitive media in your gallery.
How to Choose the Best Secure Messaging App
With so many applications that promise to provide secure messaging services, choosing the right one among them can be a challenging task.
Here are some tips on what to look for.
High Level of Data Encryption
One of the key factors to look for in a messaging app is the level of data encryption. Data encryption ensures that your messages are secure, and only the intended recipient can read them.
Again, end-to-end encryption is the highest level of encryption available.
Friendly Across Multiple Devices
Messaging apps that are user-friendly across multiple devices provide convenience and flexibility to users. You may want to check if the app is available on platforms such as Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
Apps that sync across multiple devices enable you to access your conversations seamlessly across different platforms. A seamless experience across different platforms ensures that there is no interruption in your communication flow.
Cloud-Based Storage Abilities
Many applications offer storage abilities integrated with the app. This feature allows users to store their conversations, images, and videos easily. However, it is crucial to pay attention to where the app stores your data. Some apps store data on their servers, which may pose a privacy risk.
Total Account Management
Some messaging apps allow users to manage multiple profiles on the same app, which can be highly convenient if you maintain different social circles or engage in different activities using different personas. On the other hand, apps that have a general login with no account management feature may pose a privacy risk. Therefore, considering the app’s account management options is crucial to guarantee privacy while enjoying the benefits of messaging apps.
Additional Features
Messaging apps that offer additional features like group chats, file sharing, and video and voice calls can provide efficiency and convenience while communicating.
Some apps also have emerging and innovative features like disappearing messages, which is highly effective in keeping confidential conversations confidential. Therefore, it is important to consider additional features provided by the messaging app.
What Are the Most Secure Messaging Apps?
Thinking about signing up for a secure messaging app? That’s a smart choice – but you have lots to choose from.
Threema
Threema is a Swiss-based messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption and complete anonymity. The app uses a QR code system to verify contacts, which makes it easier to ensure that you’re messaging the right person.
Plus, Threema has no advertisements, collects no user data, and even allows for anonymous sign-up.
Viber
Viber is a popular chat app that offers end-to-end encryption and the ability to hide chats with a PIN.
One unique feature of Viber is its secret chats, which can be set to automatically delete messages after a specified time. Viber also has a self-destruct feature that allows you to remove all messages from both your own and your contact’s devices.
Wickr Me
Wickr Me is a private messaging app for desktop and mobile devices that offers end-to-end encryption and complete anonymity. The app has a self-destruct feature that allows you to set messages to be deleted after a certain period.
Plus, Wickr Me doesn’t require a phone number or secure email address for sign-up, so your identity remains completely anonymous.
Owned by social media giant Facebook, WhatsApp has been a popular messaging app for years. One of its strongest features is its end-to-end encryption technology, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the message, preventing any third-party from accessing the messages.
Moreover, WhatsApp has two-factor authentication, which makes it difficult for an unauthorized person to access your account.
Telegram
Telegram has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more people looking for an app that prioritizes their privacy.
Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats, which is a conversation that only you and the receiver can see. But, unlike WhatsApp, which only encrypts messages if you have enabled the option, Telegram always encrypts all messages, whether in a group chat or not.
Telegram also has seamless multi-device support, which means you can sync your chats across all of your devices.
Wire
ire is a lesser-known secret messaging service that provides advanced security features. The app offers end-to-end encryption and also includes two-factor authentication, which is enabled by default.
Wire’s servers are located in Europe and have strict data protection laws, providing extra security to users.
Sekur
Last but certainly not least, Sekur is a messaging app designed specifically for secure communication. The app offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and a zero-knowledge policy.
It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices alike and covers you for whatever you need to do – whether that’s sending text messages, doing video calls, or sending voice messages. A Swiss-hosted solution, it’s truly the best of its kind.
Unlike other messaging apps, Sekur has no third-party involvement, which makes it the most secure option out there.
For the Best Features and Functionality, Choose Sekur
While there are many email and instant messaging apps available that offer end-to-end encryption and anonymity, Sekur stands out from the rest.
With its zero-knowledge policy and unique features, this is the best of all encrypted messaging apps.
Sekur gives you confidence that your conversations remain private. Sign up for Sekur today and enjoy the benefits of the most secure messaging app available.
