Secure messaging is the exchange of messages protected by cryptography so that only intended participants can read or authenticate them. It typically provides end-to-end encryption, forward secrecy, and integrity, often through ratcheting key-agreement protocols. It underpins privacy-preserving communication in consumer apps, enterprise systems, and decentralised networks.
Content
- End-to-end designs encrypt at the endpoints so intermediaries cannot read content, while double-ratchet key management provides forward secrecy and post-compromise security. Additional properties such as deniability, metadata minimisation, and verified safety numbers distinguish stronger implementations.