All articles tagged with #signal
A Pentagon watchdog report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked U.S. forces' safety by sharing sensitive military information on the Signal app, but the Pentagon claims he was exonerated and no classified information was shared.
Pentagon investigators are examining whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally sent or authorized the sharing of classified military strike details via Signal, and whether staff were instructed to delete messages, amid ongoing probes into the handling of sensitive information.
The FBI has advised iPhone and Android users to switch to encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger, but warns that these platforms need to change to allow access to content under lawful court orders. This comes amid concerns over cyberattacks linked to China and the challenges of "going dark" due to end-to-end encryption. The FBI advocates for "responsibly managed" encryption, which tech companies currently resist, citing privacy and security concerns. Meanwhile, Telegram's popularity surged in Korea amid fears of state censorship, despite its less secure encryption model.
Signal has introduced new features to enhance its calling capabilities, making it more competitive with platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. Users can now share and reuse call links, making it easier to connect with others. Additional upgrades include a "raise hand" button, emoji reactions, and a dedicated tab for call history. These features are available on the latest version of Signal for Android, iOS, and desktop.
Apple has removed WhatsApp, Signal, and Threads from its App Store in China, citing compliance with local laws and unspecified "national security" concerns. The move comes as the Chinese government has banned Western social media apps, similar to the reasons given by U.S. politicians for a potential ban on TikTok. This highlights the complex interplay between tech companies, national laws, and free speech values in different countries.
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, the farthest human-made object from Earth, briefly reconnected and sent a new signal containing valuable data, raising hopes for the historic mission. Engineers are analyzing the signal to identify the source of the spacecraft's recent communication issues, which have persisted since November 2023. The team suspects a problem between the spacecraft's flight data system and telemetry modulation unit. Despite the distance, NASA is working to resolve the issue and potentially save the iconic mission, which has been exploring the cosmos for over 46 years.
Apple's iMessage security is limited when messaging outside its ecosystem, prompting a recommendation to use Signal's latest update, which allows users to hide their phone number and use a username instead. This significant update addresses a major gap in secure messaging and comes at a time when SMS fraud is on the rise, making Signal the recommended choice for iPhone users concerned about security and privacy.
Google releases new open large language models Gemma 2B and Gemma 7B, Rivian lays off 10% of its salaried workforce amid tough market for electric vehicles, Signal introduces usernames for privacy, YouTube dominates TV streaming in the U.S., and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son seeks $100 billion for a new AI chip venture.
Signal has launched a game-changing update that allows users to create a username and hide their phone number, a feature that WhatsApp has yet to implement. This update provides unique privacy features not available on WhatsApp, allowing users to prevent others from seeing their phone number when messaging them and from being found by their number. This comes as WhatsApp, known for its security and privacy features, has been falling behind in addressing this significant privacy risk.
iMessage has upgraded its encryption to include a new algorithm called Kyber, making it more resistant to quantum computing attacks and putting it on par with Signal. This move comes in response to the looming threat of quantum computing, which could potentially break current encryption methods. Both iMessage and Signal are now using Kyber to future-proof their end-to-end encryption, as they prepare for the eventual arrival of quantum computing capabilities.
Signal introduces unique usernames to replace phone numbers, allowing users to share their username instead of their number. The usernames must end with two or more numbers as an anti-spoofing measure and can be changed or deleted at will. This update enhances privacy by making phone numbers invisible to others by default and requiring an exact username to find a user. However, users should be cautious of potential abuse by spammers and scammers.
Signal is introducing support for usernames on its encrypted messaging service, allowing users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. The feature, currently in beta, lets users create a unique username that can be shared via QR code or link. Additionally, the app is rolling out security features such as the ability to restrict who can find you using your phone number and hiding phone numbers by default. While this move enhances privacy, there are concerns about potential abuse, prompting Signal to advise users to verify contacts through safety numbers and display banners for group chats with similar names.
Signal is introducing usernames, allowing users to keep their phone numbers private when chatting on the app. Usernames are not searchable and function as a way to connect without sharing phone numbers. Users can create, change, or delete usernames, and a new privacy setting lets them control who can find them by phone number. This move enhances security and privacy, closing a potential loophole for hackers to access messages.
Signal is rolling out a beta feature that allows users to create custom usernames to connect with others while protecting their phone number privacy. This update, currently available to beta users, enables users to share a unique link or QR code for quick chats without disclosing their phone number. Additionally, a new privacy setting allows users to require others to use their username instead of their phone number to connect on Signal. This move aligns with Signal's goal of ensuring phone number privacy and follows the announcement made by Signal President Meredith Whittaker in November 2022.
Signal has launched a beta rollout of new features aimed at enhancing phone number privacy, allowing users to conceal their phone numbers and instead share a username for communication. These changes address persistent criticisms of Signal's design and offer increased privacy protections, including the ability to turn off phone number visibility and discoverability. While the requirement to share a phone number with Signal during registration remains, the new features represent a significant improvement for users seeking more privacy in their digital communications.