Signal is like any other messaging app that allows you to send end-to-end encrypted messages. It has been there in the market since 2015 but the recent events around the world, gained the Signal app some popularity. People began to use this because all your data and messages are safe and secure.
Just like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, this app also enables you to share media, links, documents, location, voice and video calls, etc. In addition to all these features, it also allows you to donate money to anyone directly from this app because it is run by an independent non-profit. And because your data is end-to-end encrypted, your messages cannot be read or heard by anyone else except you and the person at the receiving end.
Other similar apps are also secure and safe, but they sell your data to advertising companies and sometimes to the government as well. The Signal app doesn’t share your data/ messages to anyone (not even the government), so your data and messages are safe and secure even if your device gets stolen or hacked. If anyone tries to read your data illegally, they will fail to do so because your messages will be shown in such a coding formula that it will be challenging to crack.
Because an independent non-profit firm runs the app, they have kept the app as an open-source so that anyone with expertise and knowledge can review and help the app to get improvised to eliminate any faults from the app.
How to use it?
As mentioned earlier, using Signal is as easy as using WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger or any other messaging app. It is available on Android, iOS, and on desktops supporting Linux, Windows and Mac. This app is entirely free of charge.
You might be glad to know that Signal provides an additional feature that is not available on another messaging app that allows you to remove or delete your conversations automatically after a designated duration of time. Through the ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature, you can let the app remove messages for you.
Registering your account is also easy. Once you install the app, open it and enter your phone number and for verification purposes, it will send you a six-digit one-time password (OTP). You have to enter the OTP within a minute or else you’ll have to generate another one. To keep your app secure, it will ask you to enter a four-digit pin/ password. Then your set-up will be complete, and you can begin connecting to other Signal users. If you want to use the ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature, go to your profile and switch on the toggle of this feature. Disappearing Messages is still unavailable in a lot of countries.
James Williams is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security. He writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and websites.
Source :- What is Signal and How to Use It?
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