Messenger
WhatsApp now encrypts contact databases for privacy-preserving synching
The WhatsApp messenger platform has introduced Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS), a new privacy-preserving encrypted storage system designed for contact management. The new system solves two long-standing problems WhatsApp users have been dealing with for years, namely the risk of losing their contact lists if they lose their phone and the inability to sync contacts between different […]
Malware infiltrates Pidgin messenger’s official plugin repository
The Pidgin messaging app removed the ScreenShareOTR plugin from its official third-party plugin list after it was discovered that it was used to install keyloggers, information stealers, and malware commonly used to gain initial access to corporate networks. The plugin was promoted as a screen-sharing tool for secure Off-The-Record (OTR) protocol and was available for […]
Russia blocks Signal for ‘violating’ anti-terrorism laws
Russia’s telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor has restricted access to the Signal encrypted messaging service for what it describes as violations of Russian anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation. “User access to the messenger Signal is restricted due to violations of the requirements of the Russian legislation whose fulfillment is necessary to prevent the use of the messenger for […]