Signal’s end-to-end encryption makes it significantly more secure than traditional text messaging, as highlighted by former FBI supervisory agent Scott Augenbaum. Unlike standard SMS texts, which lack encryption and are vulnerable to interception by carriers, hackers, or government entities, Signal’s messages and calls are protected by the Signal Protocol—an open-source encryption standard independently audited and deemed “cryptographically sound” by security researchers. This encryption ensures only intended recipients can access message content, with no backdoors for authorities.
– : Signal retains minimal metadata (e.g., no IP addresses or call duration logs) and automatically purges undelivered messages.
– : While FBI agents could theoretically access messages on an unlocked, physically compromised device, Signal encourages users to enable disk encryption and strong passcodes.
– : Calls from unknown contacts are routed through privacy-preserving relay servers to mask IP addresses—a feature costing Signal $1.7M annually in bandwidth fees.
Recent controversies, such as the March 2025 accidental leak of military strike plans via Signal by White House officials, underscore its adoption for sensitive communications despite risks of human error. Signal’s nonprofit structure and reliance on donations (rather than data monetization) further insulate it from pressures to weaken encryption.
The app counters emerging threats, exemplified by its 2025 updates to block Russian-aligned actors exploiting linked-device QR codes. Users can enhance security through safety number verification and disappearing messages. While no system is bulletproof, Signal’s design choices—prioritizing privacy over convenience—make it a gold standard for secure communication.
