Tag

Signal

All articles tagged with #signal

tech20 days ago•69 min saved

Un-Big Tech: a reader-driven guide to privacy-friendly online life

Installer No. 116 surveys reader tips for ditching Big Tech, highlighting Proton for email/calendar/docs, Signal for private messaging, Nextcloud for open-source, self-hosted services, and Home Assistant for smart homes; it also flags privacy-focused or open-source options (Firefox, Kagi, Ecosia, Linux Mint, GrapheneOS, Jellyfin, Obsidian) and shares Paris Marx’s homescreen plus crowdsourced picks, showing that a non‑Big Tech life is increasingly feasible.

via The Verge|

#home-assistant #nextcloud #privacy

technology29 days ago•9 min saved

Lockdown Mode Foils FBI Access to Journalist's iPhone

The FBI says it cannot access data on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s iPhone because the device was in Apple’s Lockdown Mode, a high-security setting designed to guard against sophisticated cyberattacks. Agents could unlock Natanson’s work MacBook Pro with her fingerprint and could read at least some Signal messages from another device, but full extraction from the iPhone was blocked by Lockdown Mode. A court standstill ordered paused further imaging, while the investigation—centered on a Pentagon contractor accused of leaking classified material—continues to raise questions about journalistic First Amendment protections versus government needs. Apple’s Lockdown Mode, introduced in 2022, tightens restrictions on apps, websites, and features to reduce exposure to highly targeted spyware.

via Ars Technica|

#apple #fbi #journalist

tech1 month ago•65 min saved

A practical guide to private, safer community chats on Signal

The Verge’s guide explains how to use Signal for community organizing while protecting privacy: start by setting up a Signal account with a username, then enable privacy features (hide your phone number, enable screen locking and screen security, enable incognito keyboard, and set disappearing messages by default). You can disguise the app icon on Android and hide your IP by enabling Always relay calls. For private group chats, require admin approval for new members and vet newcomers (in-person exchanges or multiple members vouching). For semi-public groups, you can invite via a link but restrict posting. In open public groups, post carefully—If you wouldn’t say it in court, don’t say it in one of those chats—and remember that end-to-end encryption protects message content but not metadata. Use safety numbers to verify contacts, nicknames to keep track of trusted people, and features like view-once media to reduce metadata. An update notes the iOS “hide screen in app switcher” feature.

via The Verge|

#best-practices #group-chats #privacy

politics1 month ago•3 min saved

FBI opens probe into Minneapolis protest Signal chats after far-right claim

The FBI director Kash Patel announced a criminal investigation into Signal chat groups used by Minneapolis protesters after a far-right influencer claimed he infiltrated them, with officials saying the inquiry could target illegal activity (such as doxxing or obstructing agents) but not peaceful protest or First Amendment activity. Critics question the basis given encryption and protected organizing. The move comes as authorities say they are not investigating the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by border patrol agents, a case handled by Homeland Security Investigations, with body-camera footage under review.

via The Guardian|

#encryption #fbi #first-amendment

defense3 months ago•2 min saved

Pentagon IG Concludes Hegseth Endangered Troops in 'Signalgate'

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.

via NPR|

#defense #hegseth #inspector-general

politics9 months ago•2 min saved

Pentagon probe into Hegseth's Signal message deletions and staff conduct

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.

via ABC News|

#classified-information #hegseth #investigation

technology1 year ago•9 min saved

FBI and Officials Urge Encrypted Messaging Amid Ongoing Cyber Threats

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.

via Forbes|

#encryption #fbi #privacy

technology1 year ago•1 min saved

Signal Enhances Video Calls with Custom Links and New Features

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.

via The Verge|

#appupdate #communication #features

technology1 year ago•2 min saved

China Orders Apple to Remove Popular Messaging Apps, Revives Legislation for Potential TikTok Ban

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.

via Gizmodo|

#apple #china #national-security

space-exploration2 years ago•2 min saved

"NASA Restores Communication with Voyager 1, Reviving Historic Mission"

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.

via Gizmodo|

#deep-space-mission #nasa #signal

technology2 years ago•4 min saved

"Signal Messenger Introduces Name-Based User Search; iPhone Update Required"

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.

via Forbes|

#apple #iphone #messaging

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Tech Updates: Google's Open LLMs, Rivian Layoffs, and Signal's Usernames"

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.

via TechCrunch|

#ai #electric-vehicles #google

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Signal Introduces Game-Changing Usernames to Keep Phone Numbers Private"

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.

via Forbes|

#messaging #privacy #security

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Apple Enhances iMessage Security for Quantum-Proof Communication"

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.

via Ars Technica|

#apple #encryption #imessage

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Signal Introduces Usernames for Private Phone Number Protection"

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.

via Engadget|

#anti-spoofing #messaging #privacy