The Signal messenger app encrypts voice and text messages
Private Messenger

Signal is an efficient private messenger app that encrypts voice and text messages, integrates easily into existing interfaces, and places all communications in a single display.
Dozens of private messenger apps are available today; however, only one has the endorsement of both Edward Snowden and Bruce Schneier and is recommended by both the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union. That app is Signal Private Messenger, developed by the non-profit Open Whisper Systems [1] for Android, iOS, and desktop environments. These endorsements are the result of not just Signal's ability to encrypt voice and text messages, but also its ability to integrate into existing interfaces for ease of installation and use.
Signal originated in RedPhone and TextSecure, two proprietary encryption tools for Android developed by Whisper Systems, founded by Moxie Marlinspike and Stuart Anderson. Whisper Systems was bought by Twitter in November 2011, and within half a year, both RedPhone and TextSecure, were released under the third version of the GNU General Public License. A year later, Marlinspike left Twitter to found Open Whisper Systems, which is funded by donations and grants, a neutrality that partially explains the high regard for its products.
Since 2013, Open Whisper Systems has merged RedPhone and TextSecure into a single application, adding encrypted group chat and gradually developing Android and iOS versions with comparable feature sets. Recently, it released a beta version of Signal Desktop [2] in the form of a Chrome app. So far, the desktop version, compared with the other versions, has a simplified feature set lacking password protection, for example. However, when linked to a mobile device, Signal Desktop provides centralized storage, as well as the increased usability of a mouse and a full-size keyboard.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.