I first became interested in my ability to encrypt my online communication when I had the opportunity to chat with the young men partially responsible for organizing the Arab Spring. Back then, it was apparent that everyone’s safety and privacy was paramount. Now I am concerned with safety and security as I continue on with some research and outreach to other youth who are secretly making plans to change their country and their world. Here are 3 tools I use to communicate privately and as encrypted as possible.
Nowadays I am concerned with safety and security as I continue on with some research and outreach to other youth who are secretly making plans to change their country and their world. Here are 3 tools I use to communicate privately and as encrypted as possible.
Please never forget that anything you do on the Internet should be assumed to be monitored.
- WhatsApp: This very popular app that is owned by Facebook (but not affiliated with the social network) offers great end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption in layman terms means that no one can open it except for the person it is intended for and while it is being delivered everything is scrambled, protecting you from prying eyes and hackers.
- Signal: Made popular by activist, world changer, and well-known hacker Edward Snowden, this app offers an even higher level of encryption but is blocked in some countries due to the level of encryption it offers – making it tough for countries like Iran to monitor your texts and conversations.
- SendInc: Want to feel like Inspector Gadget and know that anything you recently sent will self-destruct according to your settings? SendInc should be your email server of choice. With automatic email self-destruction, this (free) service allows you to breathe freely after answering detailed questions from clients and patient.
David Pride is the owner of Social Impressions, a social media marketing agency that helps companies around the world create strategic and engaging content. He is also a professional youth motivational speaker who talks about overcoming long seasons of setback and pain. FMI: DavidPrideSpeaks.com