Not popular messengers. Encrypt correctly! Choosing a messenger for secure and private correspondence

In this article we will talk about what a messenger is in simple words, let's give examples popular programs and explain how they work. These applications are popular among users and have become widespread. Let's look at what a messenger is and how to use it.

First, let's talk about what it is - a messenger on a mobile phone. It is an application that allows users to exchange messages in an instant. You can share both text and files various formats, for example, photographs, audio recordings or videos. All communication takes place exclusively via the Internet.

Most programs provide the ability to make calls (including video calls) and have built-in entertainment functions. Now you understand what the messenger is for, below we will discuss the functionality of the program. Can you study how a Viber representative works?

Let's note where the name came from and what the word messenger means. It is a translation of the English word messenger, which means “courier” or “messenger”.

How to use them

Let's highlight the main distinctive features and the capabilities of messengers, which will help us understand what they are and should be.

• No data transfer fees, Internet traffic is consumed;
• Instant data transfer;
• Possibility to conduct conversations without additional payment;
• Possibility of transferring data of any format;
• Saving message history;
• Synchronization with contact list;
• Demonstration of interlocutor statuses.

Application benefits:

• Saving money;
• High speed of communication.

Let's look at what applies to instant messengers, using the most downloaded applications as an example.

List of popular applications

There is a huge variety of messengers on the Internet, choose suitable program It's hard enough. We have highlighted several examples and described their functions.

viber

This communication service has gained popularity thanks to its bright design and built-in stickers. In addition to the entertainment component, the program is distinguished by the ability to quickly transfer data and make calls.

Right now you can download Viber from the link https://o-viber.ru.

What's up

One of the oldest and most proven programs. A simple interface hides a lot convenient functions. Users can write messages, make calls to other cities and countries - the application is completely free, there are no in-app purchases.

Additionally, it is possible to create huge group chats and send documents of non-standard format.

Telegram

Telegram blocked in Russia is the most safe program for communication. Users have access to secret chats, the ability to self-destruct messages, wide choose stickers and news channels. The disadvantage is the lack of Russification.

Now you know what a messenger application is on an Android phone (or any other), and you can choose the appropriate program based on the information you have learned.

Slowly but surely, the world is moving away from SMS and MMS as a means of text messaging. It started a few years ago with the release of WhatsApp, then there were others and there are more and more of them every year. But which apps are at the top of the best instant messengers? In this list, we will look at the best instant messengers for Android.

Discord - chat for gamers

Discord is considered one of the best apps for gamers. It supports cross-platform support between most mobile phones and computers on different operating systems. The application supports voice calls, multiple chats, supports GIF animation and much more. Although the messenger is designed mainly for gamers, nevertheless, other users use it because user-friendly interface and great chat capabilities.

Facebook Messenger Lite: Free Calls and Messages

Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular applications for messaging. Facebook has two applications for this. The regular includes all the features like group chats, video calls, stickers and more. The Lite version is just a chat and voice calling app, no frills. However, those who do not want their phone to discharge quickly should set Lite version. In both of these apps, Facebook displays ads, but otherwise they are free. This a good option, because most people you know are already on Facebook.

Google Allo or Google Hangouts

Google Allo — new messenger, has integration with Google assistant and common things like stickers, GIF animation support, and more. Allo also supports Google Duo and incognito mode with self-destructing chat.

Google Hangouts is an older application. It also has video and audio calls and many more interesting features. You definitely can’t go wrong with your choice; these apps are worthy of attention.

Kik

Kik is another popular messaging app for Android. You can prevent your phone number from being shown in the app. The application is especially popular among players of Clash of Clans and other games. The app also has stickers, emoticons, group chats, and themes. In the app store, you can buy additional stickers and other similar things.

Slack

Slack is one of the best corporate messengers. The application has a discreet, professional appearance. You can create channels, make voice calls and much more. The app also supports third party apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, Salesforce and others. Users can also connect to multiple Slack servers.

Skype - free messages and video calls

Skype is one of the most recognizable applications for messaging and making video calls. I know everything what Skype is and what it is for. You can send text messages, make video and voice calls between other users of this application. You can also call real numbers phones, for small fee. The application has several additional functions, may be useful to some, but useless to others. It depends on your preferences and needs.

Snapchat is one of the most unique messaging apps. It has many functions, including voice calls, video, photo and text messages. The service deletes messages after they are read. This means there is no history. There is, of course, the Snapchat Stories feature, which allows you to store messages for 24 hours. Many of the app's features copy features from other apps. Expected soon big update Snapchat.

Telegram

It’s paradoxical, but true: with all the variety of messengers, you usually don’t have to choose them - people simply use the same thing as their friends and acquaintances. But what if secrecy really matters? In this article, we will go through the list of modern instant messengers and see what protection guarantees each of them has.

Recently there was a poll on “Hacker”, and the most popular answer (Telegram) was seriously alarming. How far has it gone when even the average Hacker reader has already lost touch with reality after being attacked by a marketing headcrab (pictured)?

We've compiled a list of instant messengers to see how each of them fares with security. The selection included both popular and promising programs in terms of security. We warn you that we will delve into the technical side as much as is necessary for the average user, and no further.

In many ways, we followed the path of the authors of a series of articles by the Electronic Frontier Foundation called Secure Messaging Scorecard, but we chose other criteria - in our opinion, more important.

Criteria

FOSS

Is it distributed? source messenger under one of the free licenses? If yes, is development ongoing? open method? How closely do developers interact with the community? Do they accept pull requests? All this is important to consider when choosing.

Degree of centralization

One of three options is possible here:

Possibility of anonymous registration and use

For some services, a phone may only be needed to protect against spam during registration; therefore, it is very easy to use number rental services for SMS.

In other cases, the messenger is tightly tied to the phone. This is bad because if it is not turned on two-factor authentication, then when you gain access to this number, you can log into your account and merge all the data. But even if two-factor is enabled, it is still possible to delete all data from your account. And of course, this is, consider, registration using a passport (we use the realities of the Russian Federation, others were not brought in).

But it is not all that bad. There are instant messengers that allow you to register using mailbox or social network account. There are also those where account can be created in the messenger itself without being tied to anything.

Availability of End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

Some messengers have this feature by default, in others you can enable it, but there are also those where end-to-end encryption simply no.

E2EE chat synchronization

Again, this function is not yet available as often as we would like. Its presence greatly simplifies life.

Notice to verify E2EE fingerprints

When starting E2EE chats, some messengers offer to check the fingerprints of the interlocutors, others do not openly offer this. But not all instant messengers have a fingerprint verification function.

Prohibition of taking a screenshot of a secret chat

Not the best useful feature, because to bypass the ban it is enough, for example, to have a second phone on hand.

Group E2EE chats

E2EE group chats are usually not that required function, but very comfortable. The rule “more than two - speak out loud” should be left for children.

Notification about the need to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats

When adding a new interlocutor, with whom the fingerprints have not been verified, to a secret group chat, not all instant messengers offer to check his fingerprints. Because of this omission, the meaning of secret chats is lost.

Protecting the Social Graph

Some instant messengers collect information about the user's contacts and other data, such as who the user called, how long he talked. There is a thread on this topic.

WWW

We have selected only some of the criteria that can play a role when choosing a messenger. There are others, but they are not always related to security. A group of scientists from European universities did a good job of putting everything into perspective in their work Obstacles to the Adoption of Secure Communication Tools (PDF). It is also always useful to review the results of an independent audit, if available. For example, in the case of Signal, such an audit was carried out (PDF).

Telegram

License: formally - GPLv3. However, an important part of the development is closed. If you look at the repositories, you can see that in Lately some movement was observed only in the web version. Alas, in this form it is rather an illusion of openness
Degree of centralization: centralized
No
Availability of E2EE: implemented, but as an addition. By default, chats are not encrypted
E2EE chat synchronization: No. Secret chat can only be used from one device; it will no longer be accessible from another
No. Users can go into the settings themselves to compare prints
yes, but does not work on all devices
E2EE Group Chats: No
Protection social graph: No

The messenger, created by Pavel Durov's team, is built on MTProto correspondence encryption technology. On this moment partially blocked in Russia, but this blocking is a separate topic for discussion.

The messenger is ambiguous. There's a lot of hype around it, but is it justified? There is no access to the source code, chats are not encrypted by default, there is no social graph protection (all your contacts are stored on Telegram servers), there are no group E2EE chats, E2EE chats are not supported in the desktop version of the program, only in the mobile version, the messenger is centralized, messages are stored on the server (and they, as already noted, are not encrypted), and at the same time there is no possibility anonymous registration.

If you want to use Telegram, then don’t forget to create secret chats to protect your correspondence. IN mobile version to do this you need to select the New Secret Chat command. Of the desktop versions, only a few support secret chats (for example, one of the two clients for macOS).

In a secret chat, messages are encrypted and are not stored on the messenger servers. You can't take a screenshot either. secret chat, but nothing prevents you from taking a photo of such a chat from the screen.

Signal

License: AGPLv3
Degree of centralization: centralized
Possibility of anonymous registration and work: No. There are no other options other than a phone number.
Availability of E2EE: There is
E2EE chat synchronization: There is
E2EE Fingerprint Verification Notice: No. Users are encouraged to scan each other's QR codes or compare fingerprints
Prohibition on screenshots of secret chats: can be turned on or off
E2EE Group Chats: There is
Notice to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats: No
Social graph protection: There is

The Signal messenger was developed by the American startup Open Whisper Systems, where, besides the two founders, only a few people work. To encrypt messages, a cryptographic protocol created specifically for it is used - Signal Protocol. It is used for end-to-end encryption of calls (voice and video), as well as regular messages. The Signal protocol has since been used by other instant messengers: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Allo.

It would seem that in this case, any messenger can become as safe as Signal. But, as practice shows, no. Unlike Signal, where encryption is turned on by default, these messengers have it turned off. To enable it, you need to activate Secret Conversations in Facebook Messenger, and Incognito Mode in Google Allo.

Although Signal is centralized, the code is open and distributed under a free license. Signal has support for E2EE group chats, social graph protection, and supports timed disappearing messages.

However, protection should not be confused with anonymity. Signal is not anonymous: when registering, you need to indicate the phone number to which the messenger is linked. As for disappearing messages, this feature is also found in other messengers, for example in Viber and Telegram (in the secret chat menu you need to select the Set self-destruct timer command).

What a messenger on a phone is is probably known to every person without exception who uses modern “smart” phones – smartphones. But they are not the only ones that support such applications - today you can download a program for communicating via the Internet on a PC, on a tablet, and even on set-top box Smart TV. And this is not a joke, but a reality, since modern Internet technologies work real miracles!

If you don’t yet know what messenger is, or haven’t decided which application to give preference to, we will be happy to help you! Next, we will consider the most popular, well-known and reliable programs that are used for communication via the Internet by users from all over the world.

The concept of the words “messenger” and “messenger”

First, let's figure out what the word messenger means and what are the features of such an application?

A messenger is a program that is installed on a smartphone, PC or tablet to quick exchange text messages online. In addition, there are Internet messengers designed for communication exclusively on the World Wide Web.

Meaning of the term

Let's consider the meaning of the word "messenger". If translated literally from in English, That this term means “sender”, “one who sends a message, message, message”.

It is important to consider that such programs work exclusively via the Internet, even if they are installed on the phone. However, these applications have one advantage: they are not affected by Internet speed. Therefore, even if you use Internet services mobile operators, this will not affect the delivery of your messages to the recipient.

Types of messengers

We looked at what this messenger is for “dummies” - people who have not yet had the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits of these programs, and who do not know the specifics of their functioning. Now let's move on to the classification of these applications. But it should be borne in mind that, as such, gradation does not exist.

Conventionally, messengers can be divided into the following types:

1. Mobile. Such applications are installed on smartphones and tablets.
2. Computer. The name speaks for itself - the programs are installed on a PC or tablet.
3. Internet messengers. What are instant messengers on the Internet? These are programs that run on certain Internet sites. But recently, such communication has become less popular, since mobile and computer messaging programs are more convenient, and at the same time less demanding.

Of course, this is a conditional gradation of messengers, helping to better understand what kind of application it is. Reviews of the most best programs will be discussed later.

Messenger - what is it?

Many users wonder what a message is. But such a concept does not exist; most likely, they confuse it with the term “message”. It, in turn, is translated from English as “message, message.” That is, when you communicate with your friends in instant messengers, you send each other messages - regular text messages.

Messengers and social networks

Social networks provide more opportunities. You can use them not only to communicate, use media players or play games. Social networks provide their users with the opportunity to earn money - from groups, from likes, from subscriptions, etc.

Thus, the messenger is a simplified program for communicating in online chats. The most popular applications are WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram. But this is only the smallest part existing programs for communication.

Below are lists of what kinds of messengers there are, what their main features, advantages and disadvantages are. We will also consider in detail the questions of how to use them, and which programs are best to give preference to.

The best instant messengers for smartphones, tablets and computers

So, we have looked in detail at the question of what messengers are and what they are like. Now let's take a closer look at the list of the best communication apps that you can install on your phone or tablet. Below is a list from which you can choose the most optimal option for yourself.

whatsapp

WhatsApp is one of the best messengers for communication. The principle of its operation is very simple:

1. You download the application to your smartphone or tablet, enter your phone number, and come up with a password.
2. The program synchronizes with your phone book, displaying all the contacts that are recorded there.
3. To contact the right person, whose number is not in your phone book, you must first add it to your contacts list. After this, the application must be restarted to new number appeared in it.

WhatsApp provides everything necessary capabilities for communication, but, compared to other messengers, it is, roughly speaking, rather weak. The fact is that using this program to call neither mobile nor landlines impossible, therefore this application Perfect only for those who like to communicate via text messages.

Note. What is WhatsApp messenger for a tablet, and how to use it? You won't have any difficulties here. If your device does not have a SIM card slot, then first you need to download the application and log into your account using your username and password. After this, you will receive a confirmation code on your phone. Once you enter it, you will be able to use the messenger on your tablet in the same way as on your smartphone.

Viber

What is this messenger program Viber knows great amount users. This is one of the most convenient applications, which can be installed not only on a smartphone or tablet, but also on a computer.

Its main advantage is the ability to perform free video calls, and free communication with friends. Undoubtedly this best messenger of all programs existing today. The principle of its functioning is close to that characteristic of WhatsApp.

You need to register your account by entering your phone number and creating a password. That's all - the application is ready to use. It syncs with your phone book, automatically adding all the contacts in it. If users from your TC are also registered in Viber, you can freely communicate with them.

Skype

Skype is the most popular instant messenger for PC. To register in the program, you need to create a login or enter an address Email. Be sure to combine strong password– and then you will be able to use all the possibilities of this service. And they are very extensive!

WITH using Skype you can commit free calls to any corner of the world, send media files and text messages. In addition, there is a mobile Skype app, which you can use in the same way as computer program. Its undeniable advantage is that it is a messenger that can be used without necessarily specifying a phone number. You simply create your account and the program is ready to use.

What other messengers are there for your computer? The choice is really great. The list of the most popular programs for communicating via the Internet includes:

• Telegram;
• WhatsApp;
• BILCO;
• B-Slack;
• YouMagic;
• GTalk and many others.

Which messenger is best to choose to install on your computer - the choice is yours. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so, if necessary, you can always refuse to use one program in favor of another. Or install several applications at once to receive all the services that you require.

Other messengers

So, we reviewed the list of the most popular instant messengers for communicating from a phone, tablet and computer. Now let’s briefly go through the programs that work directly on the Internet. We will describe only the most popular of them.

In contact with

Many users are wondering: is VK a messenger or not? In some ways, it can be classified in this category, but, nevertheless, it is a social network. However, its developers released mobile app“Vkontakte”, where you need to log in by entering the username and password that you use on the site. Then you will have access to all the functions of this service.

Classmates

Another social network that has its own application for the phone, and therefore, just like VK, can be conditionally classified as Internet messengers. The terms of use are the same: you log in using your username and password, and you can use the program to communicate with friends via phone, tablet or computer.

Messengers Megafon

What are messengers on Megafon? This is a unique service that is perfect for users who actively communicate in various programs for messaging on the Android platform (and not only).

So, if you are used to using mobile traffic other operators cellular communications at full power, then when exchanging messages using many instant messengers from the above reviews, you will have to spend significant amounts of money on constant replenishment of bonus megabytes. Megafon offers its own application for communication, which does not require the consumption of mobile traffic at all, and, accordingly, no money.

The essence of such an application is as follows. If you download and activate it, then even when communicating in other popular instant messengers, mobile traffic will not be taken into account by the operator. Thus, Megafon actively cooperates with such messengers as WhatsApp, TamTam, Facebook, Viber, eMotion and Telegram. The choice, as you can see, is wide, so you can easily find the best option for yourself.

Thus, we have studied in detail the issue of what applies to instant messengers and how to use these applications correctly. Now let’s make a brief summary to consolidate the results.

conclusions

Communication via social media and special mobile/computer programs have a lot of advantages. You can easily contact anyone even on the other end Globe, and, in most cases, absolutely free.

We examined in detail the most popular messengers to communicate via the Internet, and now it will be much easier for you to make your choice. Make the most of all the features of these programs and communicate with your friends, family and friends with pleasure!