La confianza en la aplicación de mensajería encriptada está creciendo.
Signal, the encrypted messaging application known for its powerful privacy protection, continues to gain traction among cybersecurity experts, government agencies, and conscious users. Unlike other messaging services, Signal uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages, calls, and user data remain inaccessible to anyone, including Signal itself. The only information stored on their servers includes phone numbers, registration data, and last connection time, while all other data is kept on users’ devices. Signal also allows users to hide their phone numbers and verify message security through a unique security number.
Signal has gained significant trust in the cybersecurity community. Signal’s President, Meredith Whittaker, has recently bolstered the app, calling it the «gold standard in private commissions» and emphasizing that WhatsApp licensed Signal’s encryption to protect message content. Cybersacket analyst, Rocky Cole, mentioned that while Signal itself is secure, threats remain from potential phone compromises that could expose encrypted messages stored on the device.
The app was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Moxie Marlinspike and later received financial support from WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, who contributed $50 million to launch Signal as a non-profit in 2018. Acton left WhatsApp due to concerns about data confidentiality and advertising. An independent alternative, ad-free, Signal does not track or monetize user data.
Signal saw a user growth in 2021 after a controversial update to privacy terms by WhatsApp led to enhanced data fears. Since then, the app has been adopted by various users, from journalists and activists to government agencies. Both the European Commission and the US Senate have approved the use of secure communications.
Despite its security reputation, some analysts question its suitability for national security discussions. CCS Insight’s Chief Analyst, Ben Wood, suggested that while Signal offers robust encryption, it may not be ideal for extremely sensitive communications, citing concerns about the security of the devices themselves, rather than the app’s encryption. This concern follows reports that top Trump aides have discussed military plans using Signal, raising questions about third-party app use for critical government communications.
Unlike WhatsApp, Google’s Facebook Messenger, and Meta, Signal Messaging Services remains independent and has never been purchased by a major tech company. Its open-source nature allows security experts to review its code, strengthening trust in the encryption. Although no platform is completely immune to security threats, Signal continues to set the standard for privacy-focused communication, offering a vital tool for those seeking secure and independent communication.
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