Why do we need a secure messenger?

The advances in technology and the widespread use of smartphones have made messengers one of the most popular forms of communication. However, such convenience is associated with a set of certain risks, especially when discussing confidential issues or topics related to personal data. Secure messaging apps come to the rescue, providing users with the ability to communicate without compromising their privacy.

It is essential to understand that a careless attitude towards interacting on the Internet can lead to unpredictable and undesirable outcomes. Even face-to-face interaction in a personal chat can become public domain if one does not take care of their own safety. The opinion that third parties are not interested in your data is frivolous and incorrect.

Who may be interested in your personal information?

Intruders and hackers. Personal information like names and financial information are amongst the top data that cybercriminals steal. As a rule, cybercriminals are the greatest threat to users who ignore the issue of data security. First of all, hackers seek to gain access to your bank accounts or confidential information necessary for most fraudulent schemes. Attackers can also use personal data for blackmail and extortion, turning users’ lives into a living hell.

Large corporations. Suppliers of goods or services can process group chats and private messages to display effective, targeted advertising. Large companies want to know as much as possible about potential buyers, as their main task is to sell goods. In pursuit of profit, they do not shy away from any methods, even those that may potentially threaten the safety of people.

What are the best secure and encrypted messaging apps?

1. TrueConf

TrueConf has long established itself as a video conferencing solution with a multi-level security system. The platform includes encryption of media streams and local storage of personal data, as it is deployed within the corporate network.

By deploying TrueConf Server in your company’s network, you gain complete control over your communications without the need for an Internet connection.

The solution also includes AI-powered features, such as blurring or replacing the background and creating a detailed transcript of the online meeting.

Key Security Features:

  • Self-Hosted Deployment: TrueConf can be installed on your organization’s own servers, ensuring that all communications and data remain within your controlled environment.​
  • End-to-End Encryption: Utilizes AES-256 encryption for media streams and TLS 1.3 for data transmission, safeguarding communications from unauthorized access. ​
  • Compliance with International Standards: TrueConf adheres to ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA standards, making it suitable for industries with strict regulatory requirements.
  • Offline Functionality: The platform can operate within a closed LAN or VPN, allowing for secure communication even without an internet connection.
  • Advanced Access Controls: Features multi-factor authentication (2FA), user roles and permissions management, and IP address restrictions to enhance security.
  • Data Leakage Protection (DLP): Includes mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data transmission and potential leaks.

2. Threema

Threema is a secure communication solution that supports end-to-end encryption and works across all major platforms. It enables users to exchange text and voice messages, as well as create encrypted group chats for up to 50 participants. Personal information is stored locally on the device, while the central server retains only minimal metadata.

Instead of requiring a phone number or email, Threema assigns a random ID upon installation, allowing for anonymous use. Linking a phone number is entirely optional and used solely for contact synchronization with user consent.

Key Security Features:

  • End-to-End Encryption: All messages, voice and video calls, group chats, files, and even status updates are end-to-end encrypted by default using the NaCl cryptographic library, ensuring complete confidentiality.
  • Swiss Jurisdiction and GDPR Compliance: Based in Switzerland, Threema operates under strict Swiss privacy laws and complies fully with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • Enterprise Options (Threema Work & OnPrem): For organizations, Threema offers centralized user management, LDAP/MDM integration, remote wipe, and the option for complete on-premise deployment.

3. Element

Element (Matrix) is a secure, open-source messaging platform built on the decentralized Matrix protocol. It enables private and group communication through text messaging, file sharing, voice and video calls. Element is available across all major platforms — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Element’s foundation on the Matrix protocol allows users to register on any public server or run their own. This federated and decentralized architecture grants full control over data storage, privacy policies, and infrastructure security.

Key Security Features:

  • Organizations can deploy Element on-premises by running a private Matrix homeserver such as Synapse, ensuring complete control over communication data, compliance, and integration policies.
  • Element supports integration with other platforms via bridges — enabling cross-platform communication with services such as Slack, Telegram, IRC, and more. This makes it a flexible choice for secure collaboration in both personal and professional contexts.

4. Wire

Wire is a private tool designed to replace emails with instant messages. Thanks to this solution, you can create encrypted chats for up to 120 participants, organize virtual video meetings for up to 10 participants, and share files and locations.

Wire allows registration via email, without requiring a phone number, enabling pseudonymous use.

Key Security Features:

  • End-to-End Encryption: All messages, calls, files, and video meetings are protected with strong E2EE by default — using the Proteus protocol, based on Signal Protocol.
  • Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Wire’s servers have no access to your messages or encryption keys — all decryption happens client-side.
  • European Hosting & GDPR Compliance: Wire is based in Germany & Switzerland and is fully GDPR compliant. You can choose between EU cloud or on-premise deployment.

5. Dust

Dust is a privacy-focused mobile messaging platform for private communication. The solution enables you to send messages with end-to-end encryption, make secure calls for free, and share texts and pictures with multiple contacts simultaneously. Additionally, Dust can utilize its secure synchronization function to find other users to chat with or to invite a participant from your address book to a chat.

One of the main advantages and disadvantages of this solution is that messages are automatically deleted after a period of time, up to 24 hours, without the possibility of recovery. If your conversation partner takes a screenshot of the chat, you will receive an instantaneous notification.

Key Security Features:

  • No Permanent Storage: Dust does not store messages permanently on servers or devices. Once messages disappear, they are completely deleted from the system.
  • Anonymous Communication: Users are identified by aliases instead of phone numbers or real names, providing a layer of anonymity and protecting personal identity.
  • Message Unsend Capability: Users can delete previously sent messages at any time — even after they’ve been read — removing them from both sides of the conversation.
  • Screenshot Detection Alerts: The app detects and notifies users if someone attempts to take a screenshot of a chat, offering an extra layer of message protection.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, communication remains a very sensitive area that needs to be taken seriously and safeguarded. That’s why centralized and local messaging solutions with end-to-end encryption have a great potential in the market, providing comprehensive protection of user data from intruders. The messengers listed above provide the necessary level of personal information protection, so you can choose the best option for yourself and communicate with confidence. Remember that careful attention to the security of sensitive data is primarily the user’s responsibility. Please be cautious when communicating through apps!