With WhatsApp now requiring its users to share their own personal data with Facebook and Elon Musk as well as Edward Snowden's recommendation to use Signal, it seems like the user base has just gotten bigger. With Signal reportedly becoming pretty secure, there are actually a few things that users can do in order to make things safer.
Is Signal really private?
Elon Musk's status was made to address the need for a more secure way of messaging people, the only thing he said was "use Signal" promoting the application. Edward Snowden has also been one to promote this app by advertising the safety that its encryption gives users.
According to an article by ZDNet, there are a few things that users can do in order to make the safe messaging app even more secure for its users. There are technically a few cosmic differences when it comes to the Android and iOS versions of Signal. However, the tips mentioned below will be applicable for both of the platforms.
Is Signal app really safe?
The first thing users should do is to naturally go over to the app's Setting screen. In order to get to this point, tap the initials located in the left-corner of the app's screen over on Android. Users can also click the three dots located on the upper left part of the Settings screen.
There are actually three settings available for the iOS as well as four settings available for the Android that could be turned on in order to provide better security.
Screen lock - available for both iOS and Android - this would require users to enter the biometrics in order to access the app. This includes Face ID, fingerprint, Touch ID, or passcode.
Enable Screen Security - available for iOS - or Screen Security - available for Android - on the iPhone, this setting will prevent data previews from being shown in the app switcher. On the Android, it will prevent screenshots from being taken.
Registration Lock - available for both iOS and Android - this will require users to give their PIN when they are registering with Sgnal. This is a more convenient way of preventing another device to be added.
Incognito Keyboard - available for Android - this will prevent the keyboard from sending what the user types to a third-party which could be a reason for sensitive data leak.
There is also an Always Relay Calls feature which allows users to take their calls through the Signal server which hides the IP address from the recepient. However, the downside is that the call quality degrades.
There is also a pretty handy feature in the Signal iOS version caled the Censorship Circumvention which is found under Advanced. This could be very handy especially for people that are living in a place where active internet censorship is a big thing that could block Signal. For those not living in places like these, the feature can be left off.
Related Article: Data Privacy Protection: How to See What Data Websites Get from You
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Written by Urian Buenconsejo
