How to create encrypted messaging app
The application for excessive messages can help you maintain the confidentiality of information. It makes it difficult to listen to personal conversations and calls.
This article is for you, if you have ever been interested in how to make an encrypted messaging app. We will consider everything you need to know to create a successful program. From design to development, we will consider all the basics. We will also tell you how much it costs, and also give the examples of the most popular applications for secure communication. So let's get started!
This article is for you, if you have ever been interested in how to make an encrypted messaging app. We will consider everything you need to know to create a successful program. From design to development, we will consider all the basics. We will also tell you how much it costs, and also give the examples of the most popular applications for secure communication. So let's get started!
What is encryption
The encryption is a technical process during which the information is converted into a secret code. It helps to hide the data that you send, receive or store. In fact, such an algorithm of data encoding is used, so that only the receiving side with the decryption key can decipher them. The decrypted message contained in an unspent file is called open text, and the message in encrypted form is called with encrypted text.
Encryption tasks are to ensure:
Encryption tasks are to ensure:
- data privacy;
- the integrity of information (protection against unauthorized changes);
- the possibility of identifying the sender (you can not send information that does not have the sender).
How does it work?
Using encryption, you can encode a simple and understandable message (for example, “Anwork is cool!”) In an encrypted message that will be incomprehensible to those who see it in an encoded form. The encrypted message is transmitted via the Internet, and after its delivery, the recipient using the encryption key converts an encrypted message to the source format (“Anwork is cool!”).
There are two data encryption systems:
There are two data encryption systems:
- Algorithms with a symmetrical key. In systems with a symmetrical key for encryption and decryption, close or identical encryption keys are used.
- Algorithms with an asymmetric key. In systems with an asymmetric key, which are also called open key encryption systems, different keys are used for encryption and decryption. One key is publicly available and can be used by anyone (hence the name “Crystation with an open key”), and the other is kept secret. Due to that, the system with an asymmetric key is safer than with symmetrical, since hackers or cybercriminals cannot copy the key during its transmission.
What security approaches are used in the chat apps
The use of encryption protocols is not the only method of ensuring the security of the application for communication. Modern developers use the following methods in order to protect user information as better as possible:
- Lack of registration. The developer does not collect user data, so attackers will not have access to them.
- Communication in closed groups. You can get into these groups only by invitation and by introducing a special PIN code.
- Storage of data on the device, not on the server.
- The function of automatic removal of correspondence. The removal frequency can be configured.
- Using a special PIN code for emergency removal.
How to create a messaging app with encryption
In order to make an encrypted messaging app, you need to take care of the following important points:
The process of creating an application can be divided into 4 stages:
- think through the registration (or its absence and the mechanism of attachment to conversations through the introduction of a pincode);
- create the opportunity to edit the profile;
- organize the transmission of not only text messages, but also the execution of audio and video calls, the transfer of files;
- think through the design of the application;
- work out the issue of security.
The process of creating an application can be divided into 4 stages:
- creation of the idea, market and competitors analysis;
- UI/UX design;
- development;
- testing and improving the application;
- independent security audit.
How much does it cost to create a secure chat app
The cost of creating an encrypted application for chat, as well as any other application largely depends on the time necessary for development. It is estimated that about $ 30,000-70,000 can be spent on the development of such an application as Signal — and this is not a final figure.
How do encrypted messaging apps work?
Features of an encrypted messaging app are the use of various encryption protocols. They allow you to effectively protect any type of transmitted information: text messages, audio and video files. Attackers will not be able to capture important data.
An important advantage of the operation of such applications is that the storage of files takes place in the device's memory, but not the server's. It eliminates the risk of their falling into third parties.
An important advantage of the operation of such applications is that the storage of files takes place in the device's memory, but not the server's. It eliminates the risk of their falling into third parties.
Best secure messaging apps for business
There are several the best secure messaging apps that many companies are already actively using:
Developing your own application can be a significant waste of time and money. It is best to use ready-made solutions and be completely confident in the stable development of your business.
- Signal. This is a very popular messaging application. Considered the safest solution on the market. This application uses end-to-end encryption by default — it is one of its main advantages.
- Wickr Me. Wickr was founded in 2012 by a group of security and privacy experts. It is one of the few secure messaging apps that can be used truly anonymously. The app uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and files, including images and videos.
- All Wickr messages are encrypted locally on the device using a separate key for each message.
- Wire. Wire can be used on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and other popular browsers. The app only requires an email address to register. It does not transfer analytics and user information to third parties.
- Anwork. One of the best secure messaging apps designed specifically for the B2B segment. It uses modern encryption protocols. Communication takes place in closed groups, which can only be accessed with a code. The application supports the function of automatically deleting messages, as well as the chat deletion by entering a PIN code.
Developing your own application can be a significant waste of time and money. It is best to use ready-made solutions and be completely confident in the stable development of your business.
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