WhatsApp-Telegram-Signal

Until recently, WhatsApp was seemingly on everybody’s phone, from Tokyo to Chicago. At one point, the private messaging app boasted over 2 billion users worldwide.

It’s not hard to see why. The app is free and offers end-to-end encryption, meaning message content can only be viewed by the sender and receiver. However, this may have lured users into a false sense of security as eavesdropping was never the concern with the Facebook-owned platform. Instead, the concern was and is data capture and usage.

Quick Overview

As WhatsApp and its new data privacy policy has become big news, users have switched to alternatives like Signal and Telegram. However, both of these popular secure messaging apps come with their own potential privacy pitfalls.

If you are thinking of switching to one of these WhatsApp alternatives, learn what you need to keep in mind before making the switch. And, find out what else you can do to keep your messages secure.

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And along comes Zuckerberg

Just as Facebook has muddied the waters with its own messenger app, they’ve done likewise with WhatsApp, using it to capture data and intermingle your contacts with other messaging platforms in its portfolio. You might have felt comfortable allowing WhatsApp to access your contacts, but what about Facebook Messenger or Instagram DMs (yeah, Zuckerberg owns that too)?

If WhatsApp only wanted your contacts who use the app that would be one thing, but no, they want them all – everyone you know. Sound crazy? This is from their own terms of service:

 

“users provide the phone numbers of WhatsApp users and your other contacts in your mobile phone address book on a regular basis. You confirm you are authorized to provide us such numbers to allow us to provide our services.”

Hey, leave my friends alone!

This means that WhatsApp (and Facebook and Instagram) can capture data from everyone in your contacts and add them to their hot lava funnel of targeted advertising. Not the best way to treat your friends (or your dentist, cousin in Colorado, and anyone else in your contacts).

Most people never bother reading the terms of service, but what convinced a lot of people to leave the once-reliable messenger app was the rumor that Zuckerberg may be planning to combine WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram DM into one killer messenger app. Um, no thanks.

There are other reasons why people have dropped WhatsApp like a lit firecracker and flock to alternatives – location and activity tracking, confusing privacy settings, and the fact that the founder left the company after selling to Facebook.

Why Are So Many Users Switching to Signal For Secure Messaging?

Signal logo - WhatsApp Alternatives, best secure messagins apps
Signal Logo

Capturing and reusing your data like this is not necessary for a messenger app to function properly. Messenger app Signal, which has quickly become quite popular, doesn’t require access to your contacts at all.

In addition to offering end-to-end encryption, Signal relies on functionality to convert your contacts’ phone numbers into what it calls “hashes” or unique character values. The app only knows the hashes and never the real numbers. Further, Signal is configured to immediately delete the information from its servers after a message is sent.

Privacy advocates favor Signal, as its codebase is open source. Meaning, it’s much easier to audit and point out vulnerabilities. In fact, it’s so popular that WhatsApp uses Signal’s code as the backbone for its encryption tech.

Another reason why so many WhatsApp defectors have joined Signal is that it feels familiar. Like WhatsApp, it basically does one thing and does it well – offers a messaging service. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use and also free to download.

Is Telegram a Better WhatsApp Alternative?

Telegram logo - whatsapp alternatives, securing messaging apps
Telegram Logo

While Signal is more secure, Telegram offers more fun features and boasts significantly more users. What was once billed as an underground mainstream messaging alternative, now has a massive following.

Beyond messaging, Telegram mingles with social media, broadcast channels and allows nearly unlimited group sizes. This makes it sort of like a cross between a Facebook group and a Slack channel. It’s an interesting way to communicate with a study group or a bunch of niche hobbyists, or more likely a rando band of weirdos who share a zip code and an affinity for some fringe interest.

Unlike WhatsApp and Signal, Telegram stores your messages in the cloud, which is a blessing and a curse. It’s nice to be able to access your posts and such from anywhere, using different devices, but this opens up a whole other layer of data privacy concerns.

On a related note, Telegram does not have end-to-end encryption enabled by default. Encrypted messages are available, but you need to use the Secret Mode feature to chat securely. However, once enabled, the messages are stored only on your device.

In addition to being careful about what you share on Telegram, you’d also be wise to watch who you connect with on there. Word on the street (okay, a Forbes article) is Telegram attracts protest groups and the like because its architecture is designed to keep data away from governments and security agencies.

Are Default Settings Secure For WhatsApp Alternatives?

Both Telegram and Signal will do a better job of protecting your privacy IF you wisely configure your settings before using them. However, the default settings won’t do you any favors.

To protect your privacy, you should take a close look at the options before using these apps. Taking simple steps, like adding a verification step and not broadcasting your location with everyone can help you be more secure.

Am I Fully Secure With a Secure Messaging App Alone?

Encrypted Messaging apps like Signal, Telegram are great for ensuring that people can’t intercept your data while in transit. However, you’re still at risk for someone intercepting your encryption codes and launching attacks like a Man-in-the-Middle attack from your network. Using a VPN and a VPN-enabled FlashRouter can minimize that risk.

How Can A VPN Help Me Stay More Secure When Using Signal, Telegram, or Other WhatsApp Alternatives?

A VPN is a service that lets you encrypt your Internet connection and circumvent various restrictions while keeping your information secure. This is done by routing your Internet connection and data to a secure VPN server.

After your Internet connection reaches the VPN server, the VPN server then directs your connection to the website or service you’re trying to access. In the case of your secure messaging apps, that makes it much more difficult for hackers or other nefarious actors to crack your encryption codes and intercept your messages.

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How Can I Keep My Messages Secure on a FlashRouter?

A FlashRouter is a powerful wireless router that comes pre-installed with open-source firmware called DD-WRT. The DD-WRT firmware enhances and upgrades the performance and features of wireless routers. The firmware lifts restrictions that come with default stock firmware pre-loaded into store-bought routers and allows for full VPN optimization.

As a result, when you connect to a FlashRouter you’ll never have to worry about hitting device limits or anyone looking at your communications. When your devices connect to a FlashRouter, they automatically connect to a VPN, meaning your messages stay private.

What Are The Best FlashRouters for Using WhatsApp Alternatives?

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Have any other questions about WhatsApp, secure messaging, or network privacy in general? Feel free to reach out!