14 Free Encrypted & Decentralized Messenger For iOS And Android

Edward Snowden exposed the need for us to have a more secure way of sending messages via smartphone, it is now known that the NSA monitors all messages across the globe. All text messages are logged and crawled by an A.I, these messages are stored permanently in a NSA server for future references, this includes SnapChat.

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Remember, everything man made can be unmade. Even with these so-called secured text messengers, these chat messages are still retrievable. The technology driving most of these programs is called “end-to-end encryption,” which means that a message is ciphered before it’s sent and then deciphered after its received, with a powerful computer, these secure encrypted message can be cracked, this is because there is a need to read secret messages between terrorist, loan sharks, murderers, drug lords and more.

• Encrypted – Text messages are encrypted with double Ratchet Algorithm, prekeys, Triple Diffie-Hellman (3XDH) handshake, Curve25519, AES-256, HMAC-SHA256 and many more encryption. A strong 128 bit or 256 bit makes the text messages hard to decrypt.
• Decentralized – Peer to peer communication with no central server that stores their text messages or as a relay between the sender or receiver, thus preventing interception or a record.

1. ChatSecure

Decentralized and Encrypted

Session is a private messenger offering privacy, anonymity, and security. With end-to-end encryption, no phone numbers for sign-up, and decentralization, Session is a messenger that truly keeps your messages private and secure.

Session uses a powerful decentralized network of servers to route your messages, making it impossible for anyone to leak or sell your data. And with Session’s private routing protocols, your messages are completely anonymous. No one ever knows who you’re talking to, what you’re saying, or even your IP address.

• No Phone Numbers – Session accounts are completely anonymous. No phone number or email required.
• No Data Breaches – Session doesn’t collect data, so there’s nothing to leak.
• No Footprints – Send messages through their onion routing network and leave no trace.
• Open Source – Session’s code has nothing to hide. Anyone can view, audit, and contribute.
• Censorship Resistant – With no central point of failure, it’s harder to shut Session down.

2. Threema

Decentralized and Encrypted

Thanks to consistent end-to-end encryption, no one other than the intended recipient can read transmitted messages, not even Threema as the service operator. It’s not required to provide any personal data whatsoever: If so desired, Threema can be used completely anonymously, i.e., without disclosing one’s phone number or email address.

Threema was built from the ground up with data protection and privacy in mind (Privacy by Design), which is why only as little metadata as possible is generated when using the service. Use Threema to send any type of file. Just like text messages, files are end-to-end encrypted, of course.

• Consistent End-to-End Encryption – Threema employs the tried and tested open-source cryptography library NaCl. All messages are end-to-end encrypted, and the users are in control of the key exchange. This guarantees that no third party, not even the server operator, can decrypt messages.
• Metadata Restraint as a Guiding Principle – Threema is designed to generate as little data on servers as technically possible.
• Anonymous Use, No Account Required – It is not necessary to provide a phone number or email address in order to use Threema.
• Strong Encryption on Mobile Device – As they are strongly encrypted, the chats and media files stored on the phone are optimally protected against unauthorized access. You can also use a PIN or your fingerprint to lock the app.
• Decentralized Architecture – Chats, contact lists, and groups* are managed in a decentralized manner directly on the involved devices; no data is stored on a server. Threema differs significantly from conventional messengers in this respect.

3. ChatSecure

Decentralized and Encrypted

ChatSecure is a free and open source messaging app that features OTR encryption over XMPP. You can connect to an existing Google account, create new accounts on public XMPP servers (including via Tor), or even connect to your own server for extra security. Unlike other apps that keep you stuck in their walled garden, ChatSecure is fully interoperable with other clients that support OTR and XMPP, such as Adium, Jitsi, and more.

ChatSecure only uses well-known open source cryptographic libraries to keep your conversations private. Other apps may make claims about ‘military grade’ security but, without publicly auditable source code and verifiable end-to-end encryption, you cannot be truly safe.

• XMPP with TLS certificate pinning.
• OTR for verifiable end-to-end encryption and forward secrecy.
• Tor to help bypass restrictive firewalls.
• SQLCipher to locally encrypt conversation logs.

4. Wickr

Encrypted Only

Wickr is a messaging platform designed to give control over security back to the users. Trusted by world leaders, executives, journalists, human rights activists, celebrities, and your closest friends. Wickr’s code, policies and promises have been verified by four of the most respected organizations in the world.

The Wickr team is made up of security and privacy experts dedicated to building a strong social system around the world by providing a secure, private communication platform to everyone. Wickr is headquartered in San Francisco.

• Shredder – Irreversibly remove all deleted messages, images, and video content from your device
• Configurable Timer – Set the expiration time on all your messaging content
• No Metadata – Wickr removes all records, geotags and identifying information from your messages and media
• Secure – Send and receive secure messages, documents, pictures, videos and audio files
• Connect Safely – Your address book will always remain private and will never be stored on their servers
• Anonymous – Your Wickr ID is anonymous to us and anyone outside your Wickr network
• Your conversations can not be tracked, intercepted or monitored.
• Groups – Communicate with groups of up to 10 contacts

5. BlackBerry Messenger

Encrypted Only

With BBM® what you share is always yours to control – even once it’s left on your phone. Download it for free on iOS®, Android™, Windows Phone® and BlackBerry®. BBM is wel known for its secure messages, unfortunately, with the introduction of the iPhone, BlackBerry died a slow death. I don’t see end to end strong encryption listed as a feature.

Without this feature, implemented properly where no one but sender and receiver have access to encryption keys, it is possible for the company behind BBM, hackers, government agencies and other third parties, to read/monitor/log the contents of users’ messages. Alternative messaging apps that feature end to end encryption include Threema, reTXT, and Bleep. There are others but they typically require your real phone number to register and full access to your entire contacts book.

6. Telegram

Encrypted Only

Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple, secure and free. Telegram seamlessly syncs across all of your devices and can be used on desktops, tablets and phones alike. You can send an unlimited amount of messages, photos, videos and files of any type (.doc, .zip, .pdf, etc.). Telegram groups and broadcast lists have up to 200 members. Be sure to check their website for a list of Telegram apps for all platforms.

• FAST: Telegram is the fastest messaging app on the market because it uses a distributed infrastructure with data centers positioned around the globe to connect users to the closest possible server.
• SECURE: They made it their mission to provide the best security among mass messengers. Telegram is based on the MTProto protocol that is built upon time-tested algorithms to make security compatible with high speed delivery and reliability on weak connections.
• CLOUD STORAGE: Telegram seamlessly syncs across all your devices, so you can always securely access your data. Your message history is stored for free in the Telegram cloud. Never lose your data again!
• GROUP CHAT & SHARING: With Telegram, you can form large group chats and broadcast lists of up to 200 members, quickly share large videos, documents (.doc, .ppt, .zip, etc.), and send an unlimited amount of photos to your friends.
• RELIABLE: Built to deliver your messages in the minimum bytes possible, Telegram is the most reliable messaging system ever made. It works even on the weakest mobile connections.
• 100% FREE & NO ADS: Telegram is free and will always be free. They are not going to sell ads or introduce subscription fees.
• PRIVACY: They take your privacy seriously and will never give third parties access to your data.

7. Confide

Encrypted Only

Confide is your off-the-record messenger. They combine end-to-end encryption with disappearing and screenshot-proof messages to foster private, unfiltered, and efficient communication. Backed by some of the best early-stage investors in the world, Confide has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Bloomberg/BusinessWeek, NYT, Washington Post and more. And Confide has been used in over 180 countries worldwide as a crypto messenger.

• Messages disappear forever once they are read
• Messages are private and encrypted
• Swipe-to-reveal prevents screenshots
• Send text, photos, and documents
• Send messages to any email address or phone number
• Get notified when your messages are read

8. Signal

Encrypted Only

Privacy is possible, Signal makes it easy. Using Signal, you can communicate instantly while avoiding SMS fees, create groups so that you can chat in real time with all your friends at once, and share media or attachments all with complete privacy. The server never has access to any of your communication and never stores any of your data.

• Say Anything. Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.
• Open Source. Signal is Free and Open Source, enabling anyone to verify its security by auditing the code. Signal is the only private messenger that uses open source peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep your messages safe.
• Be Yourself – Signal uses your existing phone number and address book. There are no separate logins, usernames, passwords, or PINs to manage or lose.
• Group Chat. Signal allows you to create encrypted groups so you can have private conversations with all your friends at once. Not only are the messages encrypted, but the Signal server never has access to any group metadata such as the membership list, group title, or group icon.
• Fast. The Signal protocol is designed to operate in the most constrained environment possible. Using Signal, messages are instantly delivered to friends.
• Speak Freely – Make crystal-clear phone calls to people who live across town, or across the ocean, with no long-distance charges.

9. Briar

Decentralized and Encrypted

Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Unlike traditional messaging tools such as email, Twitter or Telegram, Briar doesn’t rely on a central server – messages are synchronized directly between the users’ devices. If the Internet’s down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the Internet’s up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance.

10. Tox Chat

Decentralized and Encrypted

Whether it’s corporations or governments, digital surveillance today is widespread. Tox is easy-to-use software that connects you with friends and family without anyone else listening in. While other big-name services require you to pay for features, Tox is completely free and comes without advertising — forever.

• Encrypted – Everything you do with Tox is encrypted using open-source libraries. The only people who can see your conversations are the people you’re talking with.
• Distributed – Tox has no central servers that can be raided, shut down, or forced to turn over data — the network is made up of its users. Say goodbye to server outages!
• Instant messaging – Chat instantly across the globe with Tox’s secure messages.
• Voice – Keep in touch with friends and family using Tox’s completely free and encrypted voice calls.

11. Jami

Decentralized and Encrypted

Jami is a free and universal communication platform which preserves the user’s privacy and freedoms. Designed for the general public as well as the industry, Jami aims to provide all of its users a universal communication tool, free, secure and built on a distributed architecture requiring no authority nor central server to operate.

• Distributed – The application uses distributed hash tables (DHT) to establish communications. This technology eliminates the use of centralized registers (servers) and the retention of personal data. Jami is based on a distributed network technology, eliminating the need for servers. Mass surveillance can not be undertaken by the servers as there is not any.
• Secure – Jami offers a digital identity with accounts that do not require anyone exposing their personal identity. All of the communications are encrypted with no exception with the most advanced current techniques.

12. Element [ Riot.im ]

Decentralized and Encrypted

A chat app, under your control and entirely flexible. Riot lets you communicate the way you want. Made for [matrix] – the standard for open, decentralized communication. Get a free matrix.org account, get your own server, or use another Matrix server. Riot is for everyone, from casual chat to high powered collaboration.

• Modern Communication – Organize rooms around whatever team, community purpose you like! Chat, share files, add widgets, and make video/voice calls and conferences.
• Security – Keep your conversations secret. State of the art end-to-end encryption ensures that private communication stays private.

13. Conversations

Decentralized and Encrypted

Conversations is a Jabber/XMPP client for Android 4.0+ smartphones that has been optimized to provide a unique mobile experience. Conversations is a privacy focused, open source XMPP Texting [Jabber] client for Android 4.0+ smartphones with wife-approved easy encryption [OTR, OMEMO, or GPG].

XMPP is a federated protocol, which means you can freely choose a trustworthy server for yourself while still chatting with contacts that are using other servers. The communication between Conversations and the XMPP server as well as the communication between the individual servers is TLS encrypted.

• End-to-end encryption with either OMEMO or OpenPGP
• Sending and receiving images
• Intuitive UI that follows Android Design guidelines
• Multiple Accounts / unified inbox
• Very low impact on battery life

14. Utopia

Decentralized and Encrypted

Utopia P2P Ecosystem. Utopia is a feature-rich platform that is specifically designed to protect privacy of communication, confidentiality, and security of personal data. Utopia is a decentralized network, with no central server involved in data transmission or storage. The network is supported by people who use its many high quality features.

• Secure and surveillance resistant communication – Instant encrypted text, voice and e-mail communication.
• Built-in wallet, crypto cards and API for merchants – Send and receive payments in Utopia own Crypton e-currency.
• Decentralized P2P network – No central servers. Each user participates in network routing.
• Mining made easy – Earn cryptons by running Utopia software or mining bots online.
• Designed for anonymity – Utopia ensures your privacy. Your IP address and identity cannot be revealed.
• uNS – Utopia Name System – Truly decentralized and non-censored registry, equivalent of classic DNS.
• Secure web browser – Tor alternative. Surf the Utopia ecosystem by using built-in Idyll browser.
• Secure storage and transmission – Utopia uses 256-bit AES and curve25519 high-speed encryption.

15. GoldenFrog Cyphr

Encrypted Only

[ Discontinued ] Cyphr is a free, easy-to-use, encrypted messaging app for Android and iOS. All messages are encrypted, private and 100% yours. Create a free account, generate your public and private key pair, and start messaging. Cyphr makes encrypted messaging easy. All messages are encrypted, private and 100% yours. Generate your public and private key pair so only you can read your messages, start group conversations with friends, and share attachments privately.

• Only you can read your messages – Cyphr is a zero-knowledge messaging app. This means they cannot read, decrypt or share your messages. Cyphr generates a unique public and private key pair so only you and your friend can read your conversation – not us, not your wireless provider and not 3rd parties.
• Privacy by design – All messaging apps require some metadata in order to work. They specifically designed their servers to store the minimal amount of data necessary and then delete that data after messages are successfully delivered.
• Multiple layers of security – When you use an unencrypted messaging app or traditional SMS/MMS messaging, you are essentially putting your messages in a mailbox that anyone can access. When you use Cyphr, you gain multiple layers of security. Imagine everyone has a mailbox that requires a public key for inserting mail and a private key for withdrawing mail.
• 256-bit AES Symmetric Key Encryption – Single use symmetric keys ensure messages are delivered securely and efficiently
• Public & Private Encryption Key Pairings – Ensures only the intended recipient can read your messages
• Public-Key Verification – Prevents someone from masquerading as someone else and sending false messages
• SSL/TLS For Message Delivery – Allows us to encrypt your message’s metadata, in addition to the content

16. FireChat

Encrypted Only

[ Discontinued ] FireChat works even without an Internet connection or cellular phone coverage. Use it anywhere: planes, public transportation, cruise ships, campuses, and crowded events. All you need is a few people using FireChat. Free instant messaging. No network or data plan needed. Welcome to the Internet. You will be automatically connected directly with one another, creating your own network for public and private communications.

The more people use it, the bigger and faster your network becomes. And when you do have access to a reliable Internet connection or cellular network, FireChat helps you reach people worldwide and build your audience faster than on any social network, for free blockchain instant messaging.

Inside The NSA – America’s Cyber Secrets

Since its inception in 1952, the National Security Agency has been shrouded in secrecy; for years the White House denied its very existence. For the first time since 9/11 changed everything, cameras go beyond the closed doors of the NSA, deep inside the agency’s over 2 million square foot top-secret compound.