Signal

Signal is a messaging app for Android and iPhone. The app is a secure alternative to other messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Facebook Messenger, Google Talk and Threma. It can be used for both messaging and calling. Signal provides security by encrypting voice calls and instant messages in transit (end-to-end encryption) and ensures that past communications are secure even if encryption keys are stolen (forward secrecy).

Info

Tool type: Messenger App
Ease of use: Signal is easy to install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot.
Open source: Yes
Encryption support: Yes, end-to-end encryption and forward secrecy.
Benefits: Signal encrypts voice calls and instant messages in transit (end-to-end encryption) and ensures that past communications are secure even if encryption keys are stolen (forward secrecy). It also includes a built-in mechanism for verifying that no man-in-the-middle attack has occurred.
Limitations: Signal is linked to your phone number and requiers access to your address book. The app uses Google push, a software that requires you to run Google on your phone.
Independent code audited: Yes
Cost: Free of charge
Languages: English
Compatibility: requires Android 4.1 or later and iOS 8.0 or later
Version as of this writing: Android 3.13.1, iOS 2.2
Developed by: Open Whisper Systems
Website: Open Whisper Systems

Last updated: 11 February 2016