![]() ![]() "It’s commendable that the topic of end-to-end encryption has become more important for large companies, but now the critical question is can they verify it?" says Bjoern Rupp, the CEO of the boutique German secure communication firm GSMK CryptoPhone. Now, Skype needs to take the next step of proving that its execution matches its ambition. ![]() But hundreds of millions of people is still a lot. Skype's Private Conversations won't reach as many users, and its encryption protections won't be available by default. The move was lauded as a democratizing step, especially for turning encryption on by default for a significant portion of the world's population that might not know or remember to use encryption protections otherwise. WhatsApp famously incorporated an adaptation of the Signal Protocol in 2016, bringing end-to-end encrypted messaging, calling, and video chat to more than a billion users. "When companies like Skype make these kinds of changes, I think it’s important to applaud them for going in the right direction, while still reminding them that there is more that needs to be done." "You still have to decide if you trust Microsoft with your metadata, but that’s a decision you have to make with every encrypted communications service," says Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation. And even with Private Conversations turned on, Skype will still be able to access some information about your communications, like when they occur, and how long they last. ![]() Private Conversations also doesn't currently support video chat-a drawback given that features like group video conferencing are one of Skype's major selling points. Like Facebook Messenger's Secret Conversations, also based off of Signal, the tool isn't on by default you initiate it by selecting “New Private Conversation” from Skype's "Compose" menu, or from another user's profile. Currently only Skype Insiders can use the service as part of a beta test before it rolls out more broadly. Private Conversations would make that sort of snooping impossible. 'You still have to decide if you trust Microsoft with your metadata, but that’s a decision you have to make with every encrypted communications service.' ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |