5 Secure Messaging Myths

Messaging, encompassing SMS/MMS, email, and messaging apps, is a fundamental mode of communication globally, with billions of messages sent daily. However, this ubiquity makes messages a target for hackers, unethical companies, and even governments, posing risks to data privacy and security. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a key method for ensuring message security, encrypting messages so that only the intended recipient can read them, unlike transport layer security, which involves third-party servers that can access message content. Despite its high security, E2EE is not completely foolproof, as messages can be compromised on personal devices or through policy changes by app providers. The text dispels several myths about secure messaging, emphasizing that SMS lacks E2EE, that default E2EE settings are preferable, and that building a secure messaging app can be streamlined by leveraging existing technology from security-focused providers. The article highlights the evolving nature of privacy policies and the importance of integrating robust encryption solutions to maintain user trust and data integrity in messaging platforms.