Best Secure Messaging Apps In 2019

Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Snapchat are very popular ways to stay in touch with family and friends. These free to use apps are available in many parts of the world, but there are some exceptions. In restricted areas you can usually use the messaging app by connecting to a VPN. A VPN will also give you encrypted protection when you are browsing the Web.

Many messaging apps also feature encryption. These apps tend to take the privacy of the user with more seriousness than those platforms that do not use encryption. The goal is to make sure that only you and the recipient of your message are able to see the communication between one another.

What is Encryption for Messaging Apps?

End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, is the most common form of encryption that is used by messaging apps. Only the sender and receiver are able to see messages sent with this protocol. It also stops messaging apps from storing copies of old messages that could be retrieved later. Many people don’t like the idea that a government agency or even a prying partner could pull up old messages.

We strongly recommend that you always use a VPN when using messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. This will give you even more protection than that which is standard with the app. VPN service from VPNAccounts.com is affordable and reliable. We provide many server locations and are able to offer support when requested.

Let’s now move forward into a brief look at three superior messaging apps for 2019.

iMessage

As a proprietary Apple application, iMessage is only currently available for Apple devices. It can be used on MacOS desktop and laptop computers as well as iPhones and iPads. It has a strong set of features that will appeal to someone who engages in a lot of messaging.

End-to-end encryption is just the beginning when it comes to the security features of this messaging app. It will also allow users to decide how long a message is available to the recipient. Like a Snapchat, the message can be automatically deleted in a specific period of time.

Apple is led by Tim Cook who has been outspoken about Internet privacy. Strange then that Apple doesn’t necessarily point out the inherent flaw with backing up messages to iCloud. Apple controls the encryption of iCloud, and they could be compelled to reveal the messages you have backed up there when faced with a demand from law enforcement or government.

It bears mentioning here that most VPN providers do not keep logs of your messaging or browsing data. If an agency were to request a record of your messages from a VPN provider there would be nothing to give them.

Wickr

Wickr is a messaging app that was actually created by privacy and security specialists. It has been around since 2012 but is only now catching on with a larger audience. Wickr sort of set the benchmark for end-to-end encryption with messaging apps, being one of the first to make it available.

The nice thing about Wickr is that it encrypts messages by default. It is also true that the company subjects itself to regular security audits by independent personnel. A final plus is that Wickr is open-source.

There are two version of the messaging app to choose from, Wickr Me and Wickr Pro. Those who choose Wickr Pro are usually businesses that need to organize messaging for their teams. We really like that the keyboard detection feature in Wickr prevents the use of third-party keyboards. The app will also make all deleted files unrecoverable.

Viber

Yes, Viber is still a thing in 2019. It has about 260 million monthly users all over the world. Viber mainly positions itself as an alternative to Skype. It wasn’t until 2016 that Viber began to offer end-to-end encryption, though, so it is still playing catch up in many respects.

Viber is available on all major OS platforms, and it uses a cool color-coding scheme to let you know when messages are more secure. Gray means that your messages are encrypted. Green means that the person you are messaging is trusted, and red means that the communication is not secure.

The only drawback about Viber is that it is still restricted in many parts of the world. It also only encrypts one-on-one chats, not group chats. But, you can easily remedy these concerns when you secure your connection with a VPN.

Remember, your online privacy and security matter! Don’t gamble with them. Get a VPN from us today and message your friends with peace of mind.