Default settings are not that privacy-friendly as you may think. Ignoring Privacy SettingsĪnother common mistake first-time users make is ignoring privacy settings. In case this isn’t possible for your particular messenger, consider downloading a different app not requiring access to the contact list.

The most obvious thing you can do to prevent the leakage is to grant the app no access to your contacts and enter the required numbers manually. Even the phone numbers of people who don’t use the app may be affected, as they are on the contact list. However, if the servers are hacked, cybercriminals will get access to the sensitive data.

This process is called mobile contact discovery, and it simplifies the app usage. To start exchanging messages, it’s often essential to grant the application permission to access the contact list - this way, all the contacts are uploaded to the app’s servers. Here are the essentials to keep in mind while using an instant messenger. Understanding what messenger features make you vulnerable to data leakage is the first step to protecting your privacy online. Most instant messengers are free of charge however, are they really free? Are we trading our personal data for the convenience of real-time communication? Stay tuned to find out what messenger features may expose you, the best options for encrypted messaging, and how to choose and set up your secure messenger. While the great convenience of messengers is undeniable, more and more people are getting concerned about their privacy and have started looking for more secure alternatives, such as encrypted messaging apps. We want to stay in touch with friends, respond to work matters, exchange files, and share our stories in the moment, no matter where we are. The world is getting more digital, and instant messaging apps have become an inherent part of our daily lives.

Encrypted messengers