Open facebook messenger update#

Moore advocates Signal-the platform of choice for cyber experts, with its security-first approach and no form of messaging back-up-as does infosec writer John Opdenakker. And when you use the current WhatsApp cloud back-up feature, you run that same risk- this, though, is now being fixed. Apple and Google messaging back-ups are not end-to-end encrypted, they basically store a copy of your phoneвЂ™s decrypted data. ThereвЂ™s a warning in there for even the more secure messaging apps. In effect, it is impossible for hackers to steal something that the service itself does not possess.вЂќ The benefit of using end-to-end encrypted services is that data can be kept safe even in the event of the inevitable data breach because the service provider itself does not have the ability to decrypt user data. We also have strong data protections and safeguards in place that secures data at rest and restricts employee access to message content.вЂќД«ut, as uber-secure ProtonMail points out, вЂњthe best way to protect data is to not have access to it at all. Facebook told me that вЂњour servers are only in a handful of countries that have strong rule of law. They may use those keys if asked by law enforcement, but there is also a risk that rogue or tricked employees may do the same. The Twitter attack specifically framed the vulnerability when a platform holds the keys to decrypt your private conversations. вЂњAfter the recent complications with Twitter,вЂќ Moore says, вЂњit highlights once again the importance of end-to-end encrypted messages and privacy focused messaging platforms.вЂќ Twitter is not a private messaging platform-its volume of DMs is a fraction of those sent over Messenger. Twitter DMs are not end-to-end encrypted-just like Messenger, itвЂ™s been stuck on the roadmap for years. No-one should be surprised at TwitterвЂ™s admission that the recent hack of more than 100 users also tapped into private messages for 36 accounts. If you have any doubts, take a look at TwitterвЂ™s recent public shaming. вЂњAlthough many may think the content in their messages isnвЂ™t personal, the real issue is that any information on you is open to abuse in the wrong hands.вЂќ вЂњUsers choosing to communicate via Messenger must understand the real threat to their information within such apps,вЂќ warns ESET cybersecurity guru Jake Moore.

Open facebook messenger update#

AppleвЂ™s iMessage and GoogleвЂ™s rumoured encryption plans for RCS-an SMS replacement-both provide an end-to-end encryption update option for SMS, still the worldвЂ™s most pervasive mobile messaging platform.Д«ut Messenger has more than a billion users-and unlike SMS it presents as an updated and fully featured alternative to legacy messaging. The straightforward advice is to stop using SMS if possible. But that has become fairly well understood now. This issues arenвЂ™t limited to Facebook Messenger, of course.