Encrypted messaging apps have been popular among security and privacy-conscious consumers for years. However, as the business landscape continues to evolve and the demand for mobility and flexibility grows, these apps are also finding their way into the enterprise.

For remote, hybrid, and field-based workers, messaging apps like WhatsApp offer a convenient and user-friendly way to share insights with colleagues. Some companies are even beginning to use these apps to communicate with consumers.

Unfortunately, not every messaging app or solution offers the high level of encryption businesses need to comply with today’s data security standards. Slack, for instance, doesn’t provide end-to-end encryption for messages.

Today, we’re looking at some of the most popular and effective encrypted messaging apps for facilitating collaboration and maintaining compliance.

What are Encrypted Messaging Apps?

Encrypted messaging apps secure text-based conversations by transforming words into code. The messaging service uses algorithms to scramble messages, turning them into gibberish so third parties can’t snoop on your conversations.

Those messages only become decipherable when they’re delivered to the right contact, with a valid decryption key. It might sound complicated, but all of the work encrypted messaging apps do to protect your conversations takes place behind the scenes.

This means encryption doesn’t harm the user experience. However, some secure messaging apps may require extra precautions to defend your conversations, such as using multi-factor user authentication methods or enabling self-destruct capabilities for messages.

Notably, while there are multiple forms of “encryption” used by messaging apps, not all of them are alike. The most secure encryption method is “end-to-end encryption”, or “E2EE”.

This is the type of encryption used by most of the top messaging service providers, from Zoom Chat to Microsoft Teams.

The Top Encrypted Messaging Apps for Mobile Workers

Notably, most of the top communication and collaboration platforms include encryption for messaging as standard. Microsoft Teams, Zoom Google Chat, and Webex Teams chat all have comprehensive systems in place to preserve messaging security.

For this list, we’re focusing on the encrypted messaging apps you might want to use outside of your UCaaS platform or contact center solution. The apps below are designed exclusively for messaging.

If you want insights into the most secure collaboration platforms, which enable chat, video and audio conferencing, and other features, check out our other guides.

1.      Signal

Signal is one of the most popular encrypted messaging apps among consumers and businesses. Available for mobile devices, Windows, and Desktop, Signal is an open-source, encrypted solution with disappearing messages and multifactor authentication.

While this app focuses primarily on messaging, it also offers voice call and group chat options with built-in encryption. It’s a great tool for sending various forms of media via messaging, such as files, photos, and video clips.

You can set all of your Signal messages to self-destruct after a certain period based on your data retention policies. Additionally, the app is free to use, making it ideal for smaller companies. This app has even been adopted by companies like Meta and Google in the past.

2.      Session

Session is another of the top encrypted messaging apps used worldwide. The cross-platform application is a common alternative to tools like Zoom for private work meetings. Signal leverages onion routing to give customers an extra layer of protection, which means messages are encapsulated in various layers of encryption.

Plus, Session promises customers that it won’t collect any metadata from each user, such as information about their IP address. You don’t need to enter your phone number or email address to sign up, and you can even participate in group chats and share files.

Plus, Signal is available to access on a range of devices, including Mac and Windows PCs, smartphones, and tablets, so employees can collaborate anywhere.

3.      Telegram

Often chosen as an alternative to solutions like WhatsApp, Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app with a user-friendly interface and the ability to instantly sync with your phone number. Like WhatsApp, Telegram lets users send messages over the internet using client-server encryption.

Telegram has become an increasingly social app in recent years, with broadcast capabilities and support for huge user groups. However, it’s worth noting that end-to-end encryption isn’t automatically enabled on Telegram.

To ensure your messages are fully encrypted, you’ll need to switch to “Secret Chat” mode, where you can share videos and documents and participate in chats containing up to 200,000 users. You’ll also be able to turn on “self-destruct” for private conversations.

4.      WhatsApp

Limitations to enterprise-level security on WhatsApp are one reason many companies started searching for encrypted messaging apps in the first place. However, WhatsApp has come a long way in recent years, introducing new features and security settings for business users.

With WhatsApp, all messages are securely encrypted between contacts, regardless of whether you’re in a one-on-one conversation or a group chat. If you upgrade to a business level account with WhatsApp, you’ll also be able to access extra features, such as “chat lock”, and “privacy checkup”.

Today, users on WhatsApp can make disappearing chats the default for their app, create encrypted backups of conversations, and more. Plus, WhatsApp labels each message so you know exactly which conversations are encrypted at all times.

5.      AWS Wickr

One of the most interesting encrypted messaging apps on this list, AWS Wickr enables secure collaboration by encrypting messages, files, and calls with a 256-bit protocol. The solution was designed by Amazon Web Services specifically for businesses, the military, and government agencies, allowing groups to strengthen administrative control and reduce common threats.

This app protects your data against third-party access, improving your compliance standards while seamlessly facilitating internal and external collaboration. It also offers secure data retention solutions and automated workflows.

AWS Wickr supports teleconferencing and file sharing as well as messaging, and the zero-trust platform design even prevents government groups from gaining access to your data. Unfortunately, the solution is a little less user-friendly than some other encrypted messaging apps.

6.      Threema

Threema advertises itself as one of the top encrypted messaging apps for both individuals and companies. For organizations, the Threema Business Messenger leverages zero-knowledge security and advanced user management features to allow companies to set their own security parameters.

The company’s software leverages the NaCl cryptography library to protect communications, enabling bonus levels of protection. When you launch the app, it automatically creates a unique ID so you can send messages anonymously. You’ll also get a scannable QR code you can share with people you need to contact.

Alongside various common features such as encrypted text, voice, and video messaging, the app also includes group messaging, file sharing, and a polling system. Like Telegram, it also records absolutely no metadata about any user.

7.      Wire

If you’re looking for a messaging app specifically tuned to businesses’ needs, Wire could be the perfect option. Wire features end-to-end encryption for all instant messages, voice, and video calls. It also supports audio and video clips, file sharing, and multiplatform cross-device syncing.

Wire leverages a dedicated Proteus encryption protocol based on the Signal protocol. Plus, its code is open-source and subject to regular external security audits. There are even premium wire services available for businesses, with access to legal hold functionality and advanced user controls.

There’s even an option for companies with advanced compliance requirements to implement Wire “on-premises.” This gives businesses the highest level of security and control, with a system tailored to their infrastructure and data sovereignty needs.

8.      Viber

Viber is one of the common encrypted messaging apps most consumers will already be familiar with. It enables users anywhere in the world to make free, secure calls, and send messages to their colleagues, with end-to-end encryption.

The platform is similar to WhatsApp in many ways and even has its own dedicated business option. However, some additional features are available, like the ability to build a secure “community” within the Viber platform.

Like WhatsApp, Viber also shows users the level of encryption and security applied to each conversation. There’s a color-coded lock icon that shows you, at a glance, which protection levels are applied. Plus, Viber has self-destructing chat options and multi-factor authentication. There’s also the option to host group messaging sessions.

9.      Dust

Formerly known as Cyber Dust, Dust is a secure messaging app created by Mark Cuban. The solution uses a combination of RSA-2048 and AES-128 encryption to secure all messages and posts. It’s also designed to keep your direct messages in RAM, rather than using permanent storage.

Dust doesn’t show user names in messages and informs users when screenshots are taken within the app. It also offers privacy-watchdog features and stealth search tools to preserve users’ privacy while searching on the web.

Notably, this app has remained mostly the same for the last few years and hasn’t had many updates for a while. However, it’s still a free and convenient option for employees looking to keep their private conversations away from prying eyes.

10. Rocket Chat

Rocket chat features more collaboration features than most of the encrypted messaging apps on this list, but it still focuses primarily on chat messages. The solution, trusted by more than 12 million users worldwide, supports both internal communication and omnichannel customer service.

You can also use the app to create custom messaging experiences to increase sales and unlock marketing opportunities. Rocket Chat is ISO 27001 certified, and it offers on-premises hosting, ideal for companies in highly regulated industries.

You can also configure the ecosystem to ensure compliance with specific industry regulations, such as HIPAA for healthcare companies, or FINRA for finance. Notably, though, you will need to pay for access to the most advanced features.

Does Your Company Need Encrypted Messaging Apps?

Encrypted messaging apps can be a valuable solution for companies that want to enable fast-paced, convenient collaboration without compromising on data security.

If you already have a secure collaboration platform, like Microsoft Teams, an additional encrypted messaging app might not be necessary. However, you may still need to leverage extra security solutions and add-ons if you’re going to share particularly sensitive data.

If you’re not already using a collaboration platform, an encrypted messaging app could be a great way to reduce the risks associated with using consumer-grade tools and SMS.

Of course, there are still some tips you should follow to enhance messaging security, even when you’re using an encrypted app. Our top tips include:

  • Ensuring you can record data: In today’s world, remaining compliant with industry standards requires the ability to collect and store all forms of communication data, including securely storing data from messaging apps.
  • Secure your network: If you’re sending messages over the internet, you’ll still need to ensure your network is secure to protect encrypted messages. Ensure any data storage solutions you’re using have exceptional security features.
  • Use extensive authentication methods: Multi-factor authentication is crucial to protecting the messages on employee devices. Implementing these authentication methods will prevent criminals from gaining access to a messaging solution after stealing a device.
  • Try self–destructing messages: Self-destructing messages can be an excellent way to further secure your communications. However, it’s important to make sure you’re not deleting any messages that need to be retained for compliance purposes.

Protect Communications with Encrypted Messaging Apps

Messaging is becoming increasingly commonplace in the business world, enabling fast-paced collaboration, knowledge sharing, and even enhanced customer service. However, if you’re going to be using messaging tools to share sensitive data, it’s important to ensure that data is protected.

Encrypted messaging apps can help reduce your exposure to compliance risks, preserve the security of your data, and prevent potential breaches. However, for the best level of defence, make sure you’re also using other security strategies, such as multi-factor authentication and phishing protection.

Encrypted Messaging Apps FAQs

Which messaging app has the best encryption?

Signal is one of the most highly encrypted and secure messaging apps for most people. Most of the top encrypted messaging apps leverage variations of the Signal encryption protocol to keep messages protected. Even companies like Google use Signal.

Is Signal more secure than WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has begun introducing more security features, particularly for business users. However, Signal does offer more privacy protection, setting customization, and enhanced data security features than WhatsApp’s consumer-focused app.

Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?

Both Telegram and WhatsApp offer access to specific business-level solutions with higher levels of data protection. Both of these tools also offer access to end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages.

 

 



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