Security and encryption are correlated. The more the data has encryption, the more the time it takes to crack the same, and therefore, the more is the security. One can find encryption even in the messaging platforms. But, the Signal messaging app is delivering more encryption through its platform. Signal with its latest version is providing group calls that are private, free, and end-to-end encrypted. Signal ensures support for five people in a group video call at a time.
About Signal
Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC developed the Signal messaging app that is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service. It is the successor of the RedPhone( an encrypted voice calling application) and the TextSecure (an encrypted texting platform). This messaging app uses the Internet as a medium to send one-to-one as well as group messages. The users can send files in the form of documents, text messages, voice notes, images, GIFs, and videos. Signal uses the cellular devices’ telephone numbers to identify the users. Hence, Signal can verify any user’s identity and their contacts by maintaining the data channel’s integrity. Also, Signal supports the encryption by using the keys to encrypt the user’s communications, storing it at the users’ endpoints and not in the servers. Those who use Android smartphones can make Signal a default messaging app for also sending SMS.
How does Signal encrypt messages?
For encryption, Signal uses the Double Ratchet algorithm. The users use this algorithm to exchange messages based on a shared secret key. Both the parties generate a new shared secret for every Double Ratchet message. Apart from this, these messages attach Diffie-Hellman public values. Hence, this attachment helps not to let anyone predict the previous shared secret keys for the earlier messages. The integration of the Sesame algorithm in Signal allows management of messaging sessions in an asynchronous and multi-device setting. So, it controls and coordinates with Double Ratchet sessions created with X3DH key agreement.
Group Video Calling
Signal has provided group calling service through its RingRTC library to handle frame encryption. All Signal users have to update their Signal app to get the latest versions and use the upgraded features. However, if the user wants to continue with their legacy Signal groups, they won’t use it. They will be able to use it in the coming weeks, as Signal has said that it would bring more changes. Downloading the updates give the option because of the new style Signal groups. When any user wants to start or join a group call, the platform will show the participants in the grid format. One can swipe to switch to any view that focuses the screen on the currently speaking participant. This focus changes every time in real-time as the speaking status of the participants change. The Signal development team is also trying to increase the number of participants in a group video calling.
Conclusion
With the new update, Signal stands apart from all the social messaging platforms. Though it has fewer users than WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., it will soon expand its outreach exponentially. Video calling encryption is no less than an achievement that one can see in recent times, enhancing users’ security. With the Signal team working towards increasing the number of users for group video calling, it has the potential to attract more customers.
Source: https://a6office.co.uk/signal-adds-group-video-calling-encryption/
