Do you want a Secure SMS Messenger Client so that you can swap text and instant messages with friends in the same app?
Every Friday I share one of my favourite finds of the week — a website, tool or an app that has impressed me.
My Friday Favourite this week is Signal – Secure SMS Messenger Client.
What is it?
Secure is an instant messaging app that incorporates SMS (Short Message Client — more commonly known on Smartphones as “text message”) so that you can exchange messages with friends on any platform.
How much does it cost?
Signal Messenger is free to use.
Secure SMS Messenger Client
In much the same way that it’s possible to send large attachments via email, but you really shouldn’t (as email wasn’t meant for large attachments) you can use SMS text messages to send pictures and other media, but there are much stronger methods of doing so.
Using tools like WhatsApp or Telegram Secure Messenger means that you can send pictures, video and audio for free to anyone in the world.
But if the recipient doesn’t have WhatsApp or Telegram installed, then you need to rely on SMS text messaging.
Most Europeans like myself are used to experiencing free SMS messages in their country. However, for us in the UK sending SMS messages internationally is still chargeable. So, if you have friends in the USA, Australia or other parts of the world, then you can quickly rack up a sizeable messaging bill.
Signal is a secure SMS Messenger client that will enable you to send secure text, pictures, video and audio for free to anybody who also uses Signal Messenger. But, if they don’t use Signal Messenger, then it will send the message as a plain-old text message.
Signal also allows you to receive standard SMS messages from anybody, as you normally would.
Many of the other Messenger platforms (such as Facebook Messenger) also allow you to allow them to “take over” the SMS function on your Smartphone. Signal, however, incorporates SMS messaging in the most seamlessly way I’ve yet found.
You can also use Signal to make and receive voice and video calls to anybody else who uses Signal. You can do this without incurring any call charges.
The Signal messenger code is open-source and highly secure, meaning your messages and calls won’t fall into the wrong hands.
You can also use group messaging within Signal, and set Signal messages to disappear after a certain interval.
In an ideal world, everybody would use a single messaging system like Signal. Until then, SMS will remain a necessity but Signal will allow you to manage all your messages in one app.
How can I get it?
Signal is available for Android, iPhone and Desktop systems (Windows, Mac and Linux).
You can find out more and download Signal from the Signal homepage.
You can also follow @SignalApp on Twitter or visit the Signal Private Messenger Facebook page.
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Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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Comments
6 thoughts on Signal – Secure SMS Messenger Client
NIKK
20TH APRIL 2020 11:30:14
Best encrypted messaging service - Signal - has unveiled a new logo. With this, Signal is more confident about protecting their user's data from hackers and attackers.
RICHARD TUBB
20TH APRIL 2020 12:09:21
Thanks for letting us know, Nikk!
JAMES STOOK
26TH MARCH 2021 12:40:52
Hi it's james stook here i m the active user of signal app it' really a nice app this makes full control of my messages , it has lot of advanced features like ‘disappearing messages’, ‘screen lock’, ‘incognito keyboard’, ‘read receipts’, ‘message trimming’ etc.
RICHARD TUBB
26TH MARCH 2021 12:48:29
James -- thanks for the feedback. I'm also a fan of Signal!
GREEMY
27TH APRIL 2021 08:59:34
Signal is nice app Making all my communication secure ,and now they updated payment features too
RICHARD TUBB
18TH MAY 2021 08:52:24
I was unaware of the payment features. Thanks for sharing, Greemy!