encrypted messaging services Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Kremlin mandates state-backed Max messenger to be pre-installed in smartphones sold in Russia

The Russian government has mandated the pre-installation of the Max messenger app on all smartphones and tablets sold in the country as part of an initiative to control foreign social media applications. Max, developed by state-controlled VK, will be available on devices starting September 1 and offers features like messaging, audio and video calls, and money transfers. Approximately 18 million users have registered with Max since its launch in March. Concurrently, Russia is imposing restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing them of misuse for "sabotage and terrorist activities." The tensions between Moscow and international tech companies have been escalating, particularly regarding data storage and content regulations, intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Signal is ‘as safe as messaging apps get’, but not for national security

End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal is recognized for its security features but is advised against for use by government officials discussing national security. A breach occurred when members of former President Donald Trump's national security team mistakenly included a journalist in a group chat sharing sensitive military information. Cybersecurity experts express concerns about the potential legal implications of using apps like Signal for classified communications, as it could violate the Espionage Act. High-ranking officials were involved in this incident, which exposed sensitive details, including air-strike targets and the identity of a CIA officer. Typically, government officials use Secure Compartmentalized Information Facilities (SCIFs) for classified information, and there are specific government-approved systems for transmitting such information that do not include Signal.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Warning over privacy of encrypted messages as Russia targets Signal…

Russia-backed hacking groups have advanced their techniques to infiltrate encrypted messaging platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram, posing a threat to journalists, politicians, and activists. These hackers are targeting Signal's "linked devices" feature using malicious QR codes to gain real-time access to victims' messages. Incidents have included compromised Signal accounts leading to military strikes. The Sandworm group has been linked to compromising Signal accounts on devices captured in Ukraine, utilizing a Russian-language website to provide instructions for linking accounts to their infrastructure. Successful breaches often go undetected for long periods, with attackers using modified Signal group invite pages and phishing kits. Additionally, threat actors have stolen Signal database files from Android and Windows devices, with malware like Infamous Chisel extracting sensitive data. Attacks on Signal and other messaging services are increasing, with Russia-aligned groups employing social engineering tactics against users of WhatsApp. In response, Signal has enhanced security measures, including a new interface to alert users of unauthorized device links and additional authentication steps.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

X Blocks Signal Messenger Links Shared on Posts, DMs, and More—But Why?

Users are experiencing difficulties sharing links from Signal Messenger on Elon Musk's X platform, as these links appear to be blocked. Reports indicate that attempts to share Signal links result in various error messages, affecting public tweets and direct messages. There has been no official explanation from X regarding this restriction. Journalist Matt Binder noted that links to Signal have seemingly vanished from X, with users reporting similar issues. Error messages encountered range from generic notices to alerts labeling posts as harmful content or spam. While links already posted may carry warnings, they can still be accessed; however, links associated with Signal handles or the main website are currently inaccessible. Elon Musk previously endorsed Signal Messenger as a trustworthy alternative to WhatsApp, but the current blockage suggests a shift in his stance on secure messaging.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

NatWest blocks messaging apps for work communications

NatWest has blocked messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype on company devices in the UK to ensure employees use only approved channels for communications. This decision is due to concerns about the retrievability of messages on these platforms, particularly given WhatsApp's encryption and disappearing message features. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering an investigation into the use of messaging services in the banking sector. In the US, banks like HSBC and JPMorgan Chase have faced penalties for failing to comply with record-keeping regulations. In the UK, Ofgem fined Morgan Stanley £5.4 million for not retaining electronic trading communications that included WhatsApp discussions. NatWest's policy change reflects a trend in the financial sector towards stricter communication protocols.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

Encrypted ‘Ghost’ App: What We Know

Authorities have dismantled the encrypted chat application Ghost, which was used by criminal networks globally. Launched in 2021, Ghost required users to purchase customized devices for access, ensuring anonymity. It operated with three encryption standards, allowing users to erase messages and reset devices. The app’s servers were located in Iceland and France, with its founder in Australia and financial transactions traced to the United States. Ghost had several thousand users, exchanging around 1,000 messages daily, and was exclusively associated with criminal enterprises, facilitating drug trafficking, weapons dealing, violence, and money laundering. The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals, primarily in Australia, and is part of a trend of law enforcement dismantling encrypted platforms like EncroChat and Sky ECC. Despite these successes, the landscape of encrypted communication remains fragmented, with major services like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram still in use. Law enforcement emphasizes the need for access to communications among criminals while balancing user privacy.

AppWizard

September 20, 2024

International Raids Shut Down Ghost Encrypted Messaging App

Law enforcement agencies from multiple countries executed an operation that dismantled Ghost, an encrypted messaging service used by criminal organizations, resulting in 51 arrests and the confiscation of over .1 million in assets. The alleged creator and administrator of Ghost, a 32-year-old Australian citizen, was among those arrested. The operation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with international agencies, also resulted in the shutdown of a drug lab in Australia and the seizure of weapons and narcotics. Ghost was developed nine years ago and marketed exclusively to criminals, allowing secure communication via modified mobile phones sold for about ,350. The app featured advanced security measures, including self-destructing messages and multiple encryption standards. It facilitated communications for large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, with around 1,000 messages exchanged daily. Law enforcement began investigating Ghost in 2022, leading to a task force that identified key suppliers and users. The operation, conducted between September 17 and 18, resulted in 38 arrests in Australia, 11 in Ireland, and one each in Canada and Italy. The alleged mastermind faces multiple criminal charges. Ongoing law enforcement actions against encrypted messaging services are causing a shift in criminal communication strategies, leading to a fragmented messaging landscape and presenting challenges for law enforcement.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

Criminal messaging app Ghost shut down in global police sting | The National

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested a suspect linked to the Ghost messaging app, known for its unhackable features and use among criminals. This operation highlights the AFP's efforts to combat cybercrime through strategic actions against encrypted communication platforms. The arrest may influence how law enforcement agencies globally approach similar technologies and raise questions about the future of encrypted messaging apps in criminal activities.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Not all messaging apps are equal when it comes to encryption

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France on serious charges including facilitating illegal transactions, failing to comply with document requests, complicity in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), drug distribution, organized fraud, and money laundering. The situation has sparked controversy, with claims that the charges are politically motivated and an attack on free speech and encrypted messaging services. Not all messaging applications provide the same level of encryption; SMS is unencrypted, while Apple's iMessage offers encryption only among compatible devices. Signal and WhatsApp provide end-to-end encryption by default, while Google Messages and Facebook Messenger have conditional encryption based on user compatibility. Social media direct messages on platforms like X or Instagram lack encryption entirely.

AppWizard

May 14, 2024

In the battle of Telegram vs Signal, Elon Musk casts doubt on the security of the app he once championed

Elon Musk has raised doubts about Signal's security, despite previously endorsing the app. This has sparked a debate about the encryption debate between Signal and Telegram, with critics arguing that Telegram's default settings leave messages exposed to potential surveillance. Musk's influence on public opinion could impact the future of digital privacy and the responsibility of tech leaders in shaping public perceptions.