Max PavlovIn a world where one careless click can reveal your personal secrets, and a single message can make you prey for cybercriminals, the security of online communication becomes vital. This is not an exaggeration, but the harsh reality of the digital era we live in.
Consider this: are your conversations truly private? Who potentially has access to your messages and media files that you exchange in chats? At a time when the number of cyber threats is growing proportionally to the number of internet users, choosing a reliable messenger becomes not just a matter of convenience, but a real challenge for anyone who values their privacy.
How can you protect your data? Which messenger should you choose? Are there really safe options? These questions concern many users. Read on to gain valuable knowledge and protect your privacy in the digital world.
What do Ukrainians use?
According to SimilarWeb data as of August 31, 2024, the top five most popular messengers in Ukraine are:
Popularity vs. Security: Do They Always Go Hand in Hand?
Not all popular communication apps can be called secure. Popularity is often based on ease of use, number of features, or simply habit. But when it comes to protecting your personal data, these factors take a back seat. Although messengers like Telegram are leaders in the number of users in Ukraine, this doesn’t guarantee that your data in it is adequately protected.
In particular, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, emphasizes that Telegram poses a threat to national security due to the lack of proper control and the possibility of spreading disinformation under the guise of freedom of speech.
So, which messengers can truly be considered safe?
The well-known technology publication Tom’s Guide compiled a ranking of the most secure messengers of 2024 that will help you maintain confidentiality during online communication. Let’s look at the top five options:
1. Signal: A Reliable Choice for Protecting Personal Data
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Signal Web.
Founded in 2014 by Matt Rosenfeld, a renowned cryptographer and digital privacy advocate, Signal quickly became synonymous with reliability among messengers. Unlike many competitors, Signal is a non-profit project funded by grants and donations. This allows developers at the Signal Foundation to focus on user security rather than monetizing their data.
Here’s why the messenger deserves attention:
- Powerful encryption: A proprietary end-to-end encryption protocol protects all types of communication.
- Functionality: Text messages, voice and video calls, group chats of up to 40 participants.
- Additional security features: Disappearing messages, app protection with a password.
- Convenience: Simple registration, ability to use on a computer, account transfer between devices.
- Reliability: Open-source code, regular security checks, support from privacy experts.
Signal uses the same encryption protocol as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but is owned by a non-profit organization, which increases trust in it.
The only nuance: A phone number is required for registration.
Based on my experience using Signal, I can confidently say that it is indeed a powerful tool for protecting privacy. Using the messenger daily, I appreciated its speed and intuitive interface. I especially emphasize the automatic message deletion feature — it provides an additional level of confidentiality in communication.
However, it’s worth noting that switching to Signal can be somewhat challenging if your friends and colleagues aren’t using it yet. Also, if you’re a fan of various stickers and emojis, the selection here might seem limited.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I recommend Signal to anyone who takes online privacy seriously. It’s a reliable and functional messenger that’s ideal for daily secure communication.
2. Telegram: A Popular Communication Platform
Cost:
- Basic version: Free
- Telegram Premium (optional subscription that provides users access to advanced messenger features): For users from Ukraine — monthly subscription — $3.99 USD/month; annual — $29.99 USD/year ($2.49 USD/month).
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Telegram-Web.
Since its founding in 2013 by the Durov brothers, Telegram has rapidly evolved into a global leader among messengers. According to Pavel Durov’s latest data, the platform has reached an impressive 900 million active users. The financial valuation of Telegram at $30 billion, according to the founder, puts it among the most valuable tech companies in the world. The company isn’t resting on its laurels and is considering an initial public offering (IPO), which could undoubtedly open new horizons for development and innovation. Here are its key features:
- Speed and convenience: Intuitive interface and fast synchronization between devices.
- Functionality: Text messages, voice and video calls, group chats of up to 200,000 participants.
- Additional features: Self-destructing messages, file and document sharing.
- Social platform: Support for channels with millions of subscribers and large-scale groups.
Telegram uses client-server encryption for standard chats, but has some security peculiarities:
- End-to-end encryption: Available only in “Secret Chat” mode and not activated by default.
- Proprietary protocol: Uses its own MTProto encryption protocol, which is less verified than other systems.
What to pay attention to:
- End-to-end encryption doesn’t work in group chats with more than two participants.
- Need to be attentive to privacy settings, especially when using public features.
In using the messenger, the main advantage turned out to be channels and bots, which significantly expand the messenger’s capabilities.
However, the lack of end-to-end encryption by default became the main drawback for me as someone particularly concerned about privacy. Although the secret chats feature partially solves this issue (its limited application in group conversations remains a problem). Overall, Telegram is an excellent choice for most users, especially those who value a variety of features and speed. However, for maximum security, I recommend paying attention to privacy settings.
3. WhatsApp: A Popular Messenger with Reliable Encryption
Cost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows.
WhatsApp, founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, is known as one of the most convenient communication apps. In 2014, the messenger was acquired by Facebook (now Meta) for $19 billion, which became one of the largest deals in the history of the IT industry. Currently, WhatsApp is used by over 2 billion people worldwide due to its ease of use combined with powerful security features:
- End-to-end encryption: Uses the Signal protocol for all messages since 2016.
- Wide functionality: Text and voice messages, photos, videos, group chats.
- Constant security updates: Developers regularly add new features to enhance privacy.
- Additional features: Disappearing messages, encrypted backups, chat history transfer between platforms.
Special advantages:
- Ability to verify encryption of each chat using a 60-digit code or QR code.
- Widespread adoption makes it convenient for communicating with most contacts.
What to pay attention to:
- Phone number required for registration.
- Owned by Facebook (Meta), which causes privacy concerns for some users.
- Some user behavioral data is shared with Facebook, although the messages themselves remain protected.
As a user of this messenger for several years, I can say that it is a convenient tool for everyday communication. However, the main drawback is the transfer of certain user data to Meta, which may raise questions about user confidentiality. Despite this, for many users who want ease of daily use, WhatsApp remains an optimal choice among available messengers.
4. Threema: A Paid Messenger for Maximum Privacy
Cost: For Android smartphones — $5, for iOS — $5.99.
Swiss entrepreneurs Manuel Kasper, Sylvan Engeler, and Martin Blatter founded the app in 2012, quickly earning Threema a reputation as one of the most secure messengers. The company’s main philosophy is to ensure maximum privacy of user data without collecting or monetizing their personal information. Currently, for 10 million users, the main advantages are the following app features:
- Powerful encryption: Uses the NaCl cryptography library to protect communications.
- Anonymity: Generates a unique Threema ID, allowing use of the app without providing a name, phone number, or email.
- Additional security features: QR code for secure contact exchange during personal meetings.
- Functionality: Encrypted text, voice, photo, and video messages, file sharing up to 20 MB, group chats, polls.
Special advantages:
- Possibility of completely anonymous use.
- Focus on the consumer market rather than the corporate sector.
What to pay attention to:
- Paid app (although the price is quite moderate).
- Less popular in the English-speaking world, which may limit the circle of communication.
- Limited number of additional features compared to free alternatives.
I decided to test Threema and was pleasantly surprised by the ability to remain completely anonymous — without registration via phone number or email. I also appreciated the built-in contact verification feature via QR code, which adds an extra layer of protection.
However, keep in mind that this is a paid app with limited popularity in some countries, making it less convenient for mass communication. However, if your main goal is privacy and security, then Threema is definitely worth its price.
5. Wire: A Secure Messenger Focused on Business Users
Cost: Free (for personal use), paid plans for business
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS.
Since its founding in 2012 by Wire Swiss GmbH, Wire messenger was developed as a secure app with advanced capabilities for business. One of the project’s founders, Janus Friis, is also a co-founder of Skype, which added popularity and trust to the messenger among corporate users. Unlike many other messengers, Wire is focused on ensuring communication confidentiality while offering a wide range of features for teamwork. Its main functions are:
- End-to-end encryption: Protects all types of communication — text messages, voice and video calls.
- Proprietary protocol: Uses the Proteus protocol, based on the Signal protocol.
- Functionality: Support for GIFs, audio and video clips, sketches, local file sharing, and Dropbox integration.
- Usage flexibility: Synchronization between devices, support for multiple accounts to separate personal and work communication.
Special advantages:
- Open-source code subject to external security audits.
- Orientation towards business users with advanced features for corporate use.
What to pay attention to:
- Email or phone number required for registration.
- Lack of two-factor authentication.
- Change in company jurisdiction (from Switzerland to Germany via the USA) may cause concern for some users.
Among the advantages I particularly liked, I noted the ability to use multiple accounts simultaneously. This made it easy to separate personal and work contacts. Integration with cloud services like Dropbox and the ability to send various media files facilitate collaborative work. However, the lack of two-factor authentication raises some questions about account security.
Overall, Wire leaves a positive impression as a reliable tool for business communications, but for users looking for more personal use options or additional security features, there are other alternatives. For teamwork, the messenger is excellent due to its multifunctionality and reliability.
We have reviewed the top five most popular secure messengers, each with its own advantages and features. However, the world of technology doesn’t stand still. Growing privacy requirements, the development of blockchain technologies, and the spread of the Web3 concept are creating prerequisites for the emergence of a new generation of communication platforms.
New Generation of Messengers: From Security to Web3
1. BChat: A Decentralized Blockchain-Based Messenger
Cost: Free
BChat is an innovative decentralized messenger based on the Beldex blockchain. Launched in June 2022, BChat has already surpassed 300,000 downloads in the PlayStore, indicating a growing demand for Web3 messengers.
Key features:
- Complete confidentiality: BChat does not collect users’ personal information.
- End-to-end encryption: All messages are protected by powerful encryption algorithms.
- Decentralization: The messenger operates on a distributed network of Beldex masternodes, ensuring high reliability and resistance to censorship.
- Integrated crypto wallet: Users can send and receive BDX cryptocurrency directly in the app.
- Variety of functions: In addition to text messages, BChat supports voice and video calls, file sharing.
What to pay attention to:
- BChat uses a unique user identification system through BChat ID, linked to a crypto wallet address.
- The messenger is part of the larger Beldex ecosystem, which includes other decentralized applications.
Testing BChat, as a user who actively uses cryptocurrencies, I found the integration of a crypto wallet into the messenger to be a convenient feature. However, BChat may seem somewhat more complex to use for regular users who are accustomed to traditional messengers. Mass adoption of the app may take time and further improvement of the user experience, but in my opinion, this project is very promising.
2. Lecksis: A Ukrainian Analogue of a Secure Messenger
Cost: Free
Founded in 2022 by Ukrainian developers, Lecksis has established itself as an ambitious project aiming to combine cutting-edge security technologies with Web3 capabilities. Although the exact capitalization of the project is not disclosed, Lecksis has already attracted investors’ and users’ attention with its innovative approach.
Key features of Lecksis:
- Maximum security: registration without phone number or email, account protection with a 24-word seed phrase, end-to-end encryption using X3DH and Double Ratchet algorithms.
- Built-in crypto wallet: use of the Polygon blockchain network for secure transactions, support for Sushi and Matic cryptocurrencies.
- AI assistant: help with information search, text translation, message adaptation.
- Business tools: development of an integrated marketplace and other features for commercial use (in implementation stage).
Lecksis plans to introduce its own $LEKS token, reflecting the trend of integrating Web3 technologies into communication solutions. The project received support on the Launchpad platform of the WhiteBIT crypto exchange, demonstrating interest from the crypto community.
In personal use, the built-in crypto wallet proved very convenient for quick transactions. I also want to emphasize that the AI assistant, although at an early stage of development, significantly helps simplify many tasks.
Pros:
- High level of security and privacy
- Integration with cryptocurrencies
- Innovative approach to communications with Web3 elements
Cons:
- Some features (such as business tools) are still in development
- May be complex for users unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies
Currently, Lecksis still has a limited user base, but the app gives the impression of a promising project with a focus on security and Web3 innovations.
3. Status: A Decentralized Web3 Messenger on the Ethereum Blockchain
Cost: Free
Status is an innovative project developed by Status Research and Development GmbH. Launched in 2017, Status quickly attracted the attention of the crypto community by combining the functions of a messenger, crypto wallet, and Web3 browser.
Key features:
- Private messenger: fully encrypted messages without central servers, using the Whisper protocol.
- Crypto wallet: support for Ethereum and ERC-20, ERC-721 tokens, with the ability to make transactions within the chat itself.
- Web3 browser: access to decentralized applications (DApps) on the Ethereum blockchain.
- DeFi integration: ability to interact with popular DeFi protocols.
- Native SNT token: used to pay for services in the Status ecosystem.
What to pay attention to:
- Account creation doesn’t require a phone number or email, ensuring a high level of anonymity.
- Private keys are generated and stored locally on the user’s device.
- Status doesn’t support Bitcoin, focusing on the Ethereum ecosystem.
After experiencing the messenger, I want to emphasize the following:
Advantages:
- High level of privacy and security
- Convenient integration of Web3 functions
- Access to DeFi and DApps directly from the app
Disadvantages:
- Smaller user base compared to traditional messengers
- Complexity for users unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies
- Limited blockchain support (Ethereum only)
Despite its powerful functionality, Status remains a niche product oriented towards technically savvy users and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. To become truly mainstream, the app will need to find a balance between its technological advancement and accessibility for the average user who is just beginning their journey into the world of Web3.
So, let’s summarize the main characteristics to consider when choosing a secure messenger:
- Encryption technology: Pay attention to messengers that use end-to-end encryption. This guarantees that your messages will be read only by you and your interlocutor, without the possibility of interception by third parties.
- Open-source code: The policy of open-source messengers allows the community of developers and security experts to check the program for potential vulnerabilities.
- Anonymous registration: Apps that don’t require a phone number to create an account provide users with a higher level of anonymity and confidentiality.
- Automatic message deletion: The ability to set a “lifespan” for messages can significantly increase your privacy level. Look for messengers that allow you to set up automatic deletion of messages after a certain time.
Ultimately, choosing a secure messenger is a personal decision that depends on individual security needs, social circle, and technical capabilities. However, regardless of the choice, it’s important to remember that the best protection is caution and a conscious attitude towards the information you share online.
