Privacy is your right! Here’s everything about encrypted WhatsApp messages, Apple devices and emails – Economic Times

Now that we can agree that privacy is a right and not a feature, there's no reason for anyone to be snooping on your emails and phone conversations. You probably don't have anything to hide, but your privacy still needs to be respected. If you're in the least bit concerned, read on.

Messaging & Calls

WHATSAPP is encrypted end-to-end this means that no one, not even Whatsapp, has access to what you send. What you probably didn't know is that Whatsapp servers don't store messages at all and even voice/video calls are encrypted with the same uncrackable technology. If Whatsapp is too populous for your taste, you can always use Signal by Open Whisper Systems. They're quite similar because you can use Signal for text, audio, video, sending files, group conversations, voice calls and video calls. In fact, Whatsapp uses the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption.

APPLE users should know that iMessage and FaceTime are also end-to-end encrypted. Needless to say, this only works within the Apple ecosystem, so you have to be chatting or video calling with someone who has an Apple device.

WICKR normally makes enterprise class communication products but they also have Wickr Me a free, private messenger for personal communications. It is end-to-end encrypted and has default ephemerality (all messages are fleeting, get deleted on being read). It also allows you to send photos, videos and files up to 10MB in size. For larger files and secure chat rooms, you can explore some of the paid plans.

Your privacy needs to be respected (Image: Thinkstock)

Email

PROTONMAIL is top of mind for most when it comes to secure email - you can use the web client or even the mobile apps for free. All emails are secured and anonymous (no personal info is needed to create an account). Basic accounts (500MB storage, 150 emails per day) are free and you can upgrade to remove these restrictions.

MAILFENCE is not as popular as ProtonMail but it also offers a free secure email account with up to 200MB total storage, 250MB documents, two-factor authentication and digital signatures. There's no spam, no trackers, no ads and no access for govt surveillance.

TUTANOTA gives you 1GB of space for email with some restrictions (no aliases, no customisation). It automatically encrypts all data including email and contacts. You can access it on any device using a web browser or get the apps for Android and iOS.

Cloud Storage

BOXCRYPTOR can be used to encrypt your files with any of the cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Google or OneDrive. It's free for personal use the catch is that you can only use it with one cloud provider and two devices. There are paid plans available if you need to remove these restrictions.

TRESORIT provides end-to-end encryption of your files. It includes 1,000GB of encrypted storage and you can access them from up to 10 devices all platforms are supported. If you need to send a file to anyone, you can send an encrypted link and access can be revoked anytime. You can try it free for 14 days after which it is US$12.50 a month (or US$10.42 a month, if billed annually).

SPIDEROAK is a cloud storage provider that encrypts data but also protects it in case of accidental loss (backup and sync of data is available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android). You can create temporary, self-destructing links if you need to share any data from your personal cloud. Plans start at US$5 a month for 100GB storage and there are options for 250GB (US$9/month), 1,000GB (US$12/month) and 5TB (US$25/month).

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Privacy is your right! Here's everything about encrypted WhatsApp messages, Apple devices and emails - Economic Times