secure messaging Archives

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Perspective – Why online privacy is vital: Insights from messaging app Signal’s president

Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, emphasized the need for enhanced personal data protection and criticized major tech companies for their pervasive data collection practices with minimal oversight. She called for structural reforms to regulate user data management and highlighted that a few tech giants dominate data collection without adequate transparency. Whittaker advocated for comprehensive regulations to safeguard user privacy and protect free speech, reflecting growing concerns among consumers and privacy advocates about the balance between technology and individual rights.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

What are the most secure messaging apps in 2025? Here’s how to keep your online communications safe

A leaked Signal group chat, referred to as Signalgate, has raised concerns about national security and the use of messaging applications for sensitive information exchange. The incident involved former U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of Atlantic, who was mistakenly added to the chat meant for national security leaders discussing military operations. This breach has prompted discussions about the security protocols of digital communication tools used by government officials.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Signal blasts Microsoft over Recall privacy failings, as secure messaging app is forced to fudge a way of blocking the controversial Windows 11 feature

Signal has introduced a new feature in its Windows 11 application that blocks Microsoft's Recall functionality to enhance user privacy. This 'screen security' setting is activated by default for Windows 11 users and is part of Signal's efforts to protect shared content on its platform. Recall captures screenshots of user activity on Copilot+ PCs, which raised privacy concerns. While Microsoft has improved Recall, issues with its interaction with privacy-focused applications like Signal remain. The feature is specifically applicable to users with Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users can disable the screen security setting through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security, with a warning about the privacy implications of doing so.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Copilot+ Recall: who should disable it, and how

Microsoft's Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs was initially announced a year ago but delayed due to privacy concerns raised by cybersecurity experts. The updated version was released in April 2025 for Windows Insider Preview builds and rolled out more broadly in May. Key updates include requiring user permission for activation, encrypting database files with hardware-based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and implementing a filter to prevent saving sensitive information. Recall is enabled on a per-user basis, can be uninstalled, does not require a Microsoft account, and processes data locally. However, it still has vulnerabilities, such as allowing access with a regular Windows PIN after initial biometric authentication and failing to consistently filter sensitive data. Recall can log interactions during calls and capture self-destructing messages, posing privacy risks. It can impact performance and battery life, especially during gaming. Users handling sensitive data or frequently using video conferencing may want to disable or remove Recall. Instructions for disabling or removing Recall are provided, along with precautions for those who choose to use it.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—You Must Now Decide

Microsoft has released a mandatory update for Windows 11, identified as “KB5058411,” which includes essential security fixes and introduces a new feature called Recall. Recall uses artificial intelligence to capture snapshots of the user's screen at regular intervals, creating a photographic memory of digital interactions. Users will be prompted to enable Recall during the installation of the May 2025 Windows 11 24H2 update, and opting in for the first time simplifies future re-enabling. However, enabling Recall raises privacy concerns, as it records activities and communications from secure messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, potentially exposing sensitive information. A user reported that someone was able to access his entire PC history, including deleted messages, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with the feature. Users are advised to carefully consider the implications of opting into Recall.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Signal clone used by Trump team hacked, GlobalX flight data leaked

The messaging app TeleMessage, used by President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has been suspended due to a reported security breach, raising concerns about the security of sensitive government communications. The app, a modified version of Signal, was halted after a hacker accessed message contents from its customized versions, although the communications of national security advisor Mike Waltz were reportedly not affected. TeleMessage's suspension follows a statement from its parent company, Smarsh, confirming an investigation into the security incident. Despite President Trump's criticism of Signal, the White House continues to defend it, highlighting its pre-installation on government devices. Concerns about privacy protections arise from TeleMessage's archiving features, which may compromise Signal's end-to-end encryption. Additionally, GlobalX, the airline involved in Trump’s deportation flights, experienced a hacking incident, resulting in the exposure of flight records and passenger lists.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Google Messages update finally adds an important safety tool – and teases a feature I’m surprised the app doesn’t have already

Google Messages is introducing two new features: live location sharing and Sensitive Content Warnings. The live location sharing feature allows users to share their real-time whereabouts, improving coordination for meet-ups. Sensitive Content Warnings aim to protect users, especially minors, from harmful content by notifying them when nude images are sent or received. This feature is automatically enabled for users under 18 and can be managed through the Family Link app for supervised accounts. Users can adjust settings in Google Messages to manage these warnings, which utilize on-device AI to ensure privacy.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Google Messages now finally shields you from surprise nudes

Google Messages is introducing smart alerts that automatically blur explicit images before they are viewed by the recipient. This feature is opt-in for adults, while it is enabled by default for teens. Users will receive warnings about potentially explicit images and can choose to view the image, block the sender, or check the reason for the flag. If users send a sensitive image, the app will prompt them with a caution. All processing occurs on the user's device to protect privacy, and the feature currently applies only to still images, not videos.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Which is the most secure messaging app?

Companies are adapting to evolving market demands and technological advancements, leveraging data analytics for decision-making and customer experience enhancement. E-commerce and technology sectors have reported significant growth, with online sales surging as consumers prefer shopping from home, prompting traditional retailers to invest in digital strategies. Sustainability is a key focus, with businesses implementing eco-friendly practices to enhance brand reputation and access new market opportunities. Companies are also investing in research and development to innovate and create products that meet changing customer needs, particularly in industries like healthcare and automotive. Organizations prioritizing agility and customer-centric strategies are likely to become leaders in their fields.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Signal vs. WhatsApp — what’s the difference between these messaging apps?

Signal and WhatsApp both offer end-to-end encryption but differ significantly in ownership and data practices. WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which collects metadata about user interactions, while Signal is a nonprofit that collects minimal metadata and prioritizes user privacy. WhatsApp has a more user-friendly interface with features like chat history backups, group video calls, and business tools, whereas Signal focuses on privacy with features like "Sealed Sender" to hide sender identity and options to blur faces in photos. Users prioritizing privacy may prefer Signal, but practicality depends on their contacts' app usage. Users can choose to use both apps for different types of communication.