Signal, the Best Alternative to WhatsApp

Recently a number of disappointed users eventually began to look at Signal app as an alternative to Whatsapp. Signal app is considered suitable to be an alternative to WhatsApp because it has better security and privacy features. Let us find out more about Signal, the Best Alternative to WhatsApp – This App Will Pay Attention to Your Privacy And Keep You Safe.

Image Credit – signal.org

Signal, the Best Alternative to WhatsApp

All about Signal App

Signal is an application for secure encrypted communication. It is on focus now for user safety. It allows users to safely write and call each other. In addition, you can use the application on your desktop too.

Some of the features are :

Cross-Platform

Signal can be used on a variety of platforms, ranging from Android, iOS, iPad, Mac, Windows, and Linux. The app displays the contact’s name in Signal, which makes it easy for users to connect.

Group, video, and voice calling features

Signal also has a group feature, where the maximum number of members is 150 people. Within that group, users can make video calls.

Interestingly, users can’t be arbitrarily added by anyone to a group. Users who want to be added to the group will receive their invitation first, so have the option to decline or accept it.

Another regular feature, users can also make video calls and voice calls, which of course are already end-to-end encrypted.

Disappearing messages

Signal also has a disappearing messages feature. When enabled, a user’s messages can automatically disappear within five seconds to a week, depending on the settings.

Screen lock and other features

In Signal, there is also a screen lock feature. Users can set up a PIN to keep their Signal account secure. Then, there is also the incognito keyboard feature, where users can set the keyboard to store what is typed.

There’s also a feature called Message Requests, which gives users the option to block, delete, or receive messages from unknown people. Signal also allows users to react to any message with emojis. Then, users can also set options so that other users aren’t allowed to take screenshots of chats.

Signal storage management is also reliable, very similar to WhatsApp. Users can delete messages, delete videos or images, and check for different files in the storage management tool.

Free

Signal usage is completely free. The app is run by a non-profit organization. Therefore, Signal does not sell user data or monetize it. Signal also has no ads.

Also note, former WhatsApp founder Brian Acton helped found the Signal foundation along with Marlinspike. He also spent $50 million to fund the application.

Security features

Signal turns out to have end-to-end encryption based on Signal protocol made by an American cryptographer who is also the CEO of Signal named Moxie Marlinspike. That means neither third parties nor Signal can read user messages. Signal protocol is open-source.

In addition, Signal does not support data backups to third parties. All data remains stored locally on the user’s device. And if a user loses access to the device and tries to set up Signal on another phone, the user’s previous chat history will be lost.

Data collection

Signal’s top priority is user privacy, which is why the app doesn’t collect data from users. The app only stores the user’s phone number or contact information.

Other features of Signal are fingerprint lock, read Receipts, location sharing, relay calls, archiving messages, and others.

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Signal is such a safer and functionally simpler messenger replacement

Signal is gaining popularity due to the high demand for secure communication i.e end-to-end encryption between the two communicating parties, not just the normal encryption of data when transferring between phones and the operator’s server. Data transfer encryption does not solve the further handling of data “at the destination” – that is, with the provider. You can also access conversations in the provider’s database and in your phone’s memory. Signal addresses these risks by aforementioned encryption between users, so even the service provider does not read the messages. Signal uses its own protocol and details about the encryption algorithm used can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

The app has its roots in Whisper Systems since 2010, when the first predecessor for redphone calls and textsecure messaging apps came out. Whisper Systems subsequently bought Twitter and ended the RedPhone service. Although Twitter released both programs as Opensource, the Marlinspike founder left and in 2013 founded a new company, Open Whisper Systems, in which he continued to develop both programs. It is now developing the Signal program and operates as signal.org.

In addition to text communication, signal can also make calls. The first time you start, it registers your phone number as a user ID that other Signal users can call. Signal will probably be able to communicate with other popular apps – Messenger, Google, and WhatsApp.

Using Signal

The application interface is simple. When you start, it will ask you for your phone number, which will serve as an identifier (username). After confirming the number (maybe) you will see some of your contacts. If you don’t see the contact you want to write to, search for the contact by phone number.

To start a conversation, tap the new message icon (in iOS at the top right, pencil at the bottom right in Android). Conversations will be ranked in the list above each other, just as you know from Messenger. In the conversation detail, you can see the ability to make a call (voice call), write a message, and send an attachment (you can add a photo or make a new one). Click the user name to see the detail of the person you’re communicating with.

Signal also supports disappearing messages that are erased after the time you choose. Disappearing messages are set in the detail of the conversation. The iOS app has settings in the user’s detail, which you can reach by tapping their name in the conversation. On Android, in a conversation, click the ellipsis in the upper-right corner and choose Disappear Messages; in the subsequent dialog box you will find an option for the interval after which the message disappears.

You can compare the safety number in the conversation detail. Use this function to confirm the correctness of the encryption key of two users. If the other user has the same one, it’s proof that you only communicate with each other and securely.

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Other features

The Signal app for Android allows you to back up messages. In addition to exporting them, it also allows you to import them. The backup can also be encrypted. You can also set the signal as the default app for SMS and MMS messages on Android (iOS doesn’t allow this).

Group communication support is available in Signal for use in groups. You can create a group of multiple people to communicate with; it’s as easy as on Messenger.

You can also use signal on your PC

In addition to the mobile application for Android and iOS, you can also use the “desktop” version in the browser. For this purpose, the manufacturer has created a Chrome application that allows you to use Signal on your PC as well.

Install the Chrome add-on from the Chrome repository or from the manufacturer’s website. When you launch the Chrome app, you’ll see a short setup. In one of its steps, you’ll see a QR code that’s used to set up an app on your phone. Once you have the QR code on your monitor, select Settings -> Paired Devices in the Signal app on your phone. Click Link new device here to take a picture of the QR code on the screen. This pairs the app on your mobile with the one in Chrome and you can start typing with your contacts.

Pros:

End-to-end encryption

Open source encryption

Available on all major platforms

Get rid of messages

Cons:

No moving/animated emojis

Rating:

4.7/5

Conclusion

Signal is one of the safest instant messaging apps available on the mobile platform. It is also a good alternative for those who disagree with WhatsApps new privacy policy.