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Everyday users are becoming more aware of how messaging services monetize their data. This guide looks at some of the safest messaging apps for consumers and enterprises.
Signal
Signal offers its users the highest level of security and privacy for free. Promoted by people like Edward Snowden, this cross-platform messaging service provides no key to decrypt user messages. It is funded by grants and donations, making it ad- and tracking-free.
Security features
- Self-destructing messages
- Open-source
- End-to-end encryption
- Incognito keyboard
- View-once media
- Other participants in the conversation can’t take screenshots
Discord
Discord puts its focus on conversation privacy and security. The app doesn’t share or sell data. It provides a number of control systems for children to help their parents control their activity.
The messaging service lets users talk to bigger communities apart from offering messaging services. It claims not to use algorithms to track users’ interests and that only people drive the conversations.
Security features
- Virus scanning
- Client-server architecture
- 2-factor authentication
- IP location lock
Telegram
Telegram is based on the highly secure MTProtocol and claims to be more secure than WhatsApp and other mass-market messaging services. It supports client-client encryption and server-client encryption.
As Telegram is not profit-driven, they don’t sell user data. This makes them very appealing, and the number of users is constantly growing. To find people on Telegram, open the Telegram app on your phone or computer. Tap the search box at the top for desktop and the search icon for mobile phones.
Enter the person’s username and click on their profile if it comes up.
Security features
- Secret Chats
- Lock Chats
- Self-destructing media
- Proxy servers
- 2-step verification
- 2-layer encryption
- Deleting sender messages
Dust
Dust stores nothing on its servers, and message recipients can’t save any kind of media received. Content is deleted 100 seconds after it’s read and 24 hours if it remains unread.
Some users have complained that Dust doesn’t support basic things like voice messages and video calls. You also can’t upload large files.
Security features
- Private web search
- Encrypted messaging
- Permanent message deleting
Threema
Threema is most popular in the German-speaking market, but its presence is growing as one of the most secure messaging apps. The service doesn’t require an email, a phone number, or any other personally identifiable information. You just need to scan a QR code to use it.
Threema does not display ads or collect any user data. It offers both consumer and enterprise solutions. It undergoes regular audits by external experts and consistently ranks among the most secure messaging apps on the market.
Security features
- End-to-end encryption
- Anonymous use
- Open-sourced
- On-premise hosting possibility
- Decentralized architecture
- Metadata restraint
Safest messaging services for enterprises
Enterprises need extremely secure software due to their distributed and dynamic environments. They also have large clients and must comply with strict regulations and security protocols, which is why the majority use highly secure collaboration tools. Below are a few examples.
NetSfere
NetSfere boasts top-of-the-line end-to-end encryption and multiple layers of data protection. It gives IT admins access to a powerful control panel to manage all aspects of communication.
What’s more, the service fulfills numerous global privacy requirements, such as HIPAA, FINRA, GDPR, DFA, and SOX, ranking it among the most secure messaging services for industries such as risk management, insurance, financial services, and travel.
Security features
- 2-Factor Authentication
- End-to-end 256-bit AES encryption
- ISO 27001 certified
- Dodd-Frank compliance
- Sarbanes-Oxley compliance
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA and adheres to the highest security standards. It supports a myriad of integrations and is highly customizable. The service’s so-called omnichannel feature lets companies put all their communication under one roof, even that with customers.
Security features
- Open-source code
- ISO 27001 certified
- End-to-end encryption
- Configurable to meet HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA, etc.
- On-premise hosting
Messagenius
Messagenius enables exclusive data ownership and comprehensive security and offers an instant messaging solution. Its self-destructing message feature is among its most useful – no trace of a message’s existence is left.
This messaging service places emphasis on serving enterprises with an on-field workforce and features a host of productivity-facilitating features.
Security features
- GDPR compliance
- On-premise hosting
- Private encryption keys
- Self-destructing messages
- LDAP
- Tracked and indelible black box chats
- Fully encrypted
Brosix
Brosix also complies with the highest security standards as one of the safest messaging apps for corporate users. The best features include strict control, powerful administration, communication in real-time, customizable branding, and teamwork features like whiteboard and screen sharing.
Security features
- Virus and malware checking tool
- Private team network
- End-to-end encrypted
- HIPAA compliant
TeleMessage
Last but not least, this enterprise-grade text messaging service guarantees secure communication with clients and between team members. It provides tools to deliver messaging across MMS, SMS, email, fax, mobile apps, and voice calls.
Security features
- Self-destructing messages
- End-to-end encryption
- Remote data lock & wipe
- HIPAA & SOX compliant
