Summary
Between text messages and other messaging apps, tens of billions of text messages are sent every day. However, depending on the app and the settings you choose, your messages may not be secure. Here are three steps to take to protect your text messages.
Listen
Links
Transcript
18.7 billion text messages are sent daily. And that doesn’t even include communication using messaging apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, or Whatsapp. When you send a message, you expect it to remain secure, but that’s not always the case. Here are three things you can do to protect the messages that you send.
For Personal Tech Media, this is Two Minute Tech. I’m Jim Herman.
First, send your messages with an app that uses end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption protects your messages, so only you and the intended recipient can see that message. The people who made the app can’t even decrypt your messages without access to your private keys.
Some apps use end-to-end encryption by default, others make it an option you can enable, and some don’t have it available at all. Encryption is default when using Signal, Whatsapp, iMessage, and Google Messages. It’s also available, but not enabled by default, on Facebook Messenger and Telegram.
Second, if you want to make sure someone can’t get into your conversations, lock the app. A locked app will require you to enter a passcode, fingerprint scan, or another security measure before you can access your messages. Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Whatsapp all allow you to lock the app, and Whatsapp goes even further by allowing you to lock individual conversations.
Third, check your options for who can contact you on the app. Most apps will let you control who can reach out to you, send you requests, and send you a friend request. Tighten up your settings regarding who can contact you in order to maximize your security.