Instant Messaging is growing at explosive rates. Not only are the number of messages being sent growing exponentially, but the number of channels they are being sent on is growing too. This poses challenges for businesses trying to navigate omni channel communication in a compliant way.

In this review we will cover

• the top messaging applications and their security brief.
• the geographic footprint for major messaging platforms
• the security imperative for messaging platforms
• key security features and capabilities
• a list of messaging applications that pride themselves on their security.

Top Messaging Applications and Their Security Brief

1. WhatsApp: WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps with over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. The app supports text, voice, and video messaging, and it has end-to-end encryption.
2. Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger is the second most popular messaging app with over 1.3 billion monthly active users worldwide. The app is integrated with Facebook and supports text, voice, and video messaging.
3. WeChat: WeChat is a popular messaging app in China with over 1.2 billion monthly active users. The app supports text, voice, and video messaging, and it also includes features such as mobile payments and social networking.
4. Telegram: Telegram is a messaging app that prioritizes security and privacy with over 500 million monthly active users worldwide. The app has end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and supports text, voice, and video messaging.
5. Signal: Signal is a messaging app that focuses on security and privacy with over 40 million monthly active users worldwide. The app has end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and supports text, voice, and video messaging.
6. Line: Line is a popular messaging app in Japan with over 187 million monthly active users worldwide. The app supports text, voice, and video messaging, and it also includes features such as mobile payments and social networking.
7. Viber: Viber is a messaging app with over 260 million monthly active users worldwide. The app supports text, voice, and video messaging, and it also includes features such as mobile payments and social networking.

Which Messaging Applications are Most Used in Each Geography

While the usage statistics for these messaging apps can vary by region and country, there are several significant patterns that can be shown. For example, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are the most popular messaging apps worldwide, followed by WeChat in China. Telegram and Signal have gained popularity in recent years due to their focus on security and privacy, while Line and Viber remain popular in their respective regions.

The Need for Security on Instant Messaging Applications 

As communication moves off of more traditional media into internet and mobile applications, the ability to control the channels and the end point becomes more of a concern. These concerns are relevant for both businesses that use messaging applications and for personal communication.

Some of the reasons why instant messaging apps are taking steps to improve their security include:

1. Privacy Protection: Instant messaging apps are used to share personal and sensitive information, such as personal conversations, photos, and financial information. Without adequate security measures, this information can be intercepted, hacked, or stolen, compromising the user’s privacy.
2. Cybercrime Prevention: Cybercriminals often target instant messaging apps to gain access to personal and sensitive information. With secure messaging apps, users can protect their data and avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.
3. Confidential Communication: Many businesses and organizations use instant messaging apps for confidential communication. With secure messaging apps, businesses can protect their intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential information from unauthorized access.
4. Compliance: Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, have regulatory requirements that require the use of secure messaging apps to protect patient or client information.
5. Trust: Security is critical for building trust with users and between users. If a messaging app is not secure, users are less likely to use it, and the app’s reputation can be damaged.

How Can Businesses and Users Evaluate Instant Messaging Security?

Here are several criteria to evaluate the security of messaging apps. These include:

1. End-to-End Encryption: This is the most important feature to look for when evaluating the security of a messaging app. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages, and no one else, including the app developer or server, can access the messages. Encryption in instant messaging apps refers to the process of scrambling messages so that only the sender and the recipient can read them. End-to-end encryption is the most secure form of encryption, where the message is encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted on the recipient’s device. This ensures that no one, including the app developer or server, can access the message in its unencrypted form. End-to-end encryption is critical for ensuring the privacy and security of messaging apps, as it prevents interception and hacking of messages.
2. Two-Factor Authentication: This is an additional layer of security that requires users to enter a second form of authentication, such as a code or fingerprint, to access their account.
3. Security Audits: Independent security audits conducted by third-party experts can help evaluate the security of the messaging app.
4. Open-Source: An open-source app allows independent security experts to review and verify the code for vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
5. Data Storage: The messaging app should not store any user data, messages, or metadata on their servers.
6. Self-Destructing Messages: This feature allows users to set a timer for messages to disappear from both the sender and the recipient’s devices.
7. User Control: The messaging app should give users control over their data and privacy, such as the ability to delete messages or block contacts.

Which are the most Popular and Secure Instant Messaging Applications 

The rise of cybercrime has created more interest in the security of instant messaging applications. Here is a short list of some of the most secure applications and what makes them secure, and their popularity.

1. Signal

Signal is widely regarded as the most secure instant messaging application. Developed by Open Whisper Systems, Signal offers end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. Even the server that handles the messages cannot read them. Signal also offers features like disappearing messages, which delete the message after a certain period, and self-destructing messages, which delete the message after it has been read. Signal is available for free on Android, iOS, and desktop.

Signal’s popularity has surged in recent years, primarily due to its strong privacy and security features. Many high-profile figures, including Edward Snowden and Elon Musk, have endorsed Signal, which has contributed to its popularity.

2. Telegram

Telegram is another popular instant messaging application that offers end-to-end encryption. Unlike Signal, Telegram is not open-source, which means that its security cannot be independently verified. However, Telegram offers several security features, such as two-factor authentication and self-destructing messages.

Telegram’s popularity can be attributed to its features, such as the ability to create groups with up to 200,000 members and channels that allow you to broadcast messages to a large audience. Telegram also offers a cloud-based messaging service, which allows you to access your messages from multiple devices.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging applications, with over two billion active users worldwide. WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. WhatsApp also offers features like two-factor authentication and the ability to verify the identity of the person you are messaging.

WhatsApp’s popularity can be attributed to its ease of use and the fact that it is owned by Facebook. Many people prefer WhatsApp because it is integrated with their Facebook account and allows them to easily communicate with their Facebook friends.

4. iMessage

iMessage is Apple’s instant messaging application, which is built into the iOS operating system. iMessage offers end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. iMessage also offers features like two-factor authentication and the ability to verify the identity of the person you are messaging.

iMessage’s popularity can be attributed to its integration with the iOS operating system and its seamless integration with other Apple devices, such as Macs and iPads. iMessage also offers features like the ability to send messages with effects and the ability to share photos and videos easily.

5. Wickr

Wickr is an instant messaging application that offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and two-factor authentication. Wickr also offers features like the ability to verify the identity of the person you are messaging and the ability to set an expiration time for your messages.

Wickr’s popularity can be attributed to its strong security features and its focus on privacy. Wickr is often used by government agencies and businesses that require secure communication channels.

Want to leverage secure applications in your business?

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