In recent years, the Signal app has emerged as one of the most popular messaging applications, particularly among users concerned about privacy and security in their communications. But does this mean that Signal is the most secure app available? Can it truly be hacked? This article examines the security of Signal compared to other applications, highlighting its key advantages and drawbacks, along with measures that can be taken to enhance account protection.
Many people prefer using Signal, according to experts. Mahmoud Faraj, a security expert, states that due to the rise in cyber attacks and privacy violations, users have become increasingly aware of the risks to their personal data. Faraj mentions that common messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram offer a certain level of protection, but they are not without vulnerabilities or policies that could compromise user privacy. For instance, after WhatsApp updated its privacy policy in 2021, the app began sharing more user data with Meta (formerly Facebook), prompting many users to seek more secure alternatives, with Signal being one of the most prominent options.
Signal operates on the end-to-end encryption protocol known as Signal Protocol, which is also utilized by WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but differs from them in several critical ways. For starters, WhatsApp and Telegram retain some user data on their servers, which makes them more vulnerable to data breaches. In contrast, Signal does not store any copies of your messages, files, or even personal profile information on its servers, making it less susceptible to data breaches or handovers to foreign entities.
Additionally, Signal requires users to register only with their phone numbers, without needing to share additional information like email addresses or device data. The app also operates under a transparent open-source model, meaning its code is available for public scrutiny, allowing security experts to review it for vulnerabilities. This open-source nature provides an added layer of trust and accountability.
Can Signal be hacked? Security expert Walid Haggag asserts that no digital system is 100% secure, and all messaging apps are subject to various security threats. However, even when Signal faced some indirect attacks, it has proven to be more resilient to risks compared to other alternatives. In August 2023, Twilio, the provider of verification codes for Signal users, suffered a phishing attack that potentially compromised the data of a limited number of users. Fortunately, hackers could not access message content due to Signal's robust encryption.
This incident underscores that security threats can arise not only from the app itself but also from intermediary companies involved in certain processes, such as sending verification codes via SMS. Despite such challenges, Signal remains more secure than its competitors, as these attacks did not affect the privacy of conversations.
To further enhance the security of Signal, Kaspersky's cybersecurity firm has outlined several steps users can take to protect their accounts. Firstly, enabling the "Registration Lock" feature prevents logging into an account on a new device without entering a previously set PIN, making it harder for hackers to compromise accounts.
Secondly, setting up "disappearing messages" allows users to configure chats so that messages automatically delete after a specified time, reducing the chances of access in case the phone is lost or compromised. The app also features a mechanism that prevents screenshots of conversations, further diminishing the risk of sensitive information exposure.
Using a security app to protect the phone is also advisable. If the device is infected with malware, hackers may be able to capture keystrokes or steal data before it is encrypted. A robust security app can shield against such threats.
Signal has also become prominent due to a recent scandal involving the administration of former President Donald Trump. Geoffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine, revealed that he accidentally received messages via Signal from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, about sensitive military plans just two hours before they were set to be executed. This incident has raised significant questions about security measures within government communications.
Following this mishap, Signal gained heightened attention as a secure alternative to traditional messaging apps. As news broke about the unauthorized messages entering the group chat named "Houthi PC small group," discussions intensified about the implications of relying on messaging applications like Signal for sensitive military operations.
In the face of this incident, reactions have emerged from various quarters. The incident sparked a robust debate within the White House about national security protocols, and members of Congress began to call for investigations and accountability measures regarding the leak. Some Democratic legislators labeled it a "serious breach of national security," demanding comprehensive inquiries and hearings to review the use of messaging apps for discussing classified information.
Moreover, this alarming situation has caused concern among U.S. allies, who are apprehensive about potential vulnerabilities in sharing sensitive intelligence. European diplomatic sources expressed worries about the impact of such breaches on trust among allies and how this might affect collaborations in future intelligence sharing.
The Signal application exemplifies an encrypted messaging platform that maximally prioritizes user privacy and security, differentiating itself from more popular messaging apps like WhatsApp. Its unique focus on end-to-end encryption, lack of data collection, and open-source transparency has positioned it as a favored alternative for those who are privacy-conscious.
Experts highlight that while Signal holds a distinct advantage over competitors, it remains critical for users to understand the limitations of any messaging application and recognize that ultimately, the security of their communications also relies upon their own behaviors and practices. As the discussions around messaging applications evolve, Signal’s prominence in the conversation on digital security and privacy grows stronger.
