The first time you run TextSecure you are asked to create a password. If you are in the same physical location, you can use QR code scanning to speed up the verification process. Just select Secure Session Options > Verify Recipient Identity to do so. It is furthermore possible to verify keys while you are in a secure conversation.
Here you can also distinguish easily between secure messages that you have sent - padlock icon again - and regular messages that show a message icon instead. The company plans to offer these services for free.Secure messages are indicated by a padlock icon in the conversation window. (SMS and MMS communications between TextSecure and Signal are not encrypted in current versions of the software.) According to Open Whisper Systems, which develops Signal, TextSecure will eventually be integrated into a Signal app for Android that will support not only secure text-based messaging, but also encrypted voice calls.
TextSecure is compatible with Signal, a similar secure messaging app for iPhones, when sending messages through the mobile data connection. That prevents man-in-the-middle attacks, in which an eavesdropper could intercept traffic by masquerading as a legitimate participant in an exchange.Īlso importantly, the app allows users to encrypt messaging logs stored on their devices using a passphrase. In addition to encrypting conversations and files, TextSecure offers tools for verifying the identity of other parties by comparing key fingerprints. In the latter case, messages are not encrypted, but the dual functionality makes TextSecure convenient for people who want to rely on only one instant messaging app for Android. However, it also has the ability to fall back to SMS and MMS messaging modes in order to communicate with people who don’t have the app.
First released in 2010, it’s open source and supports individual messages as well as group messaging, media messages and attachments.īy default, TextSecure uses a mobile device’s data connection to transmit information to other users who also have the TextSecure app installed. TextSecure is an Android app that provides end-to-end encryption for instant messaging. If you’re looking for secure chats for mobile devices, however, you may be most interested in TextSecure, a chat tool for Android that could soon be expanded to include private voice communication as well. We’ve covered online chat apps like ChatSecure and FireChat before.
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