Just How Sure Are You About The Security Of Your Data On Messaging Apps?

Did you know that WhatsApp shares your phone numbers with Facebook? Or that interaction with businesses is not encrypted? Did you know that Facebook has access to message data?

Probably. But you still use them anyway.

Understandable, since the use of messengers for both personal and professional interaction has become a customary practice, and anyone not using them will be left behind in this era of fast communication.

There’s no denying that messaging apps are here to stay. They’re convenient, they make connecting with friends and family easier, and they can even make your job more efficient.

But the common man is now becoming conscious of how his sensitive information is being collected. He is getting smarter about data security and doesn’t want to let his personal data slip out just to get a service, it shouldn’t have to be a trade-off in the first place.

Most platforms have been quick to respond to the rising concerns of data privacy, with most now offering data encryption and better security. However,

1. You still need to provide personal information when you sign up.
2. Most companies provide “conditional” encryption, which means they are not turned on by default and you need to manually turn them on.
3. Only your data is encrypted. The companies still collect all metadata. This means even though they don’t know what you said, they still know who you are, who you’re talking to, how long the conversation went on, etc.

Which begs the question, If a platform claims to be private or secure, should you trust them? Just how safe is “safe”?

Why Companies Will Never Fully Let Go Of Their Data Collection Policy

Companies research consumer buying trends to develop a better understanding of their audience. Data is the new oil after the Fourth Industrial Revolution- and they know how much it’s worth.

It gives a sense of economic empowerment to the companies and gives them control over the market that they wish to dominate in the competitive race for survival.

Companies across all industries have taken to the digital space to become more responsive to the needs of their customers. Many businesses seek feedback and suggestions directly from their consumers to improve customer service. They spend time understanding your buying patterns and what type of content you respond to, to make your experience with them much more personalized.

Today’s technological environment provides unprecedented capabilities for facilitating interaction with one another but consequently, gives companies the ability to easily collect valuable data on individual preferences and behaviors.

The Emergence of Data Privacy as a Major Concern

Telegram, a cloud-based messaging app, suffered a data breach after unknown hackers exposed the personal details of its users. It was an unfortunate incident for the company and its users when an unknown number of hackers breached the service and exposed its users’ details on darknet forums.

Telegram has said that despite the breach, no user messages were affected in the breach and sensitive data was never accessed. The breach nonetheless highlights important privacy concerns surrounding the service, as well as security issues with hacker groups.

According to a study, 69% of people have become more aware of how mobile applications, particularly messaging applications, have access to their personal information. The primary cause for the jump in data privacy concerns is the awareness of how the companies are using the consumer’s personal information.

In the year 2020, 1001 data breach incidents were reported in the United States of America. Additionally, in the same year, 155.8 million consumers fell victim to data exposure. The data exposure was due to less-competent security of information.

Moreover, incidents like the Cambridge Analytica Scandal have much to add to the rising concerns of people regarding their data privacy. It was a hot topic of discussion for weeks where a third-party app manipulated users into handing out not only their own but their friends’ data on Facebook as well.

It is believed they have illegally obtained information on 50 million Facebook users. Friendly reminder to always read the “permissions” section when downloading an app.

The Solution

What you need is an instant communication app that provides services with no strings attached.

Only then can you be sure that you’re in a secure environment online.

CypherChat promises exactly that. The platform gives its users absolute control over the security and privacy of their messages All communication is safeguarded with End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication that prevents tampering or deciphering of communication by anyone other than the sender and recipient.

And the best part? NO personal information is required to sign up and use the service, so not even the team at CypherChat knows where you’re from and who you’re talking to, let alone what you’re talking about. The data sent on its network is transmitted in an end-to-end status and encryption prevents the accumulation of data by any third party.

Here’s what the Founder of CypherChat has to say, “We believe in privacy and freedom, and this belief underpins all that we do.

We want to keep your messages private and share them only as you intend to share them. Therefore, all our messages are encrypted by default. And no one can see what you send. It’s the same for video or audio calls.”

Conclusion

As a citizen of the world, it is your absolute right to safeguard your personal information. This is no longer about wanting privacy for the sake of it, it’s about participating in the right trends so that you and your loved ones are safe against identity theft, online monetary scams, and data hacking.

This means continuously reevaluating where and how you’re exposed to the internet and ensuring that you’re using only the best technology available to avoid having to give out unnecessary information. CypherChat is the safe haven that allows you to send encrypted messages/documents/media to anyone, anywhere over the internet.

It’s a convenient way to communicate (through message and call) without worrying about your privacy or security.

Checkout CypherChat: https://cypherchat.app