Viber introduces end to end encryption
2016-04-20 01:54 by Daniela
After Whatsapp started encrypting communication last week, now Viber has also announced that it will implement end-to-end encryption and a feature called hidden chats to the application.
End-to-end encryption means that user messages are kept private during transit, as well as from service providers. The privacy feature will be offered for all Viber calls and messages, including group chats, as well.
Users will have the option to select the level of security of their choosing. They can manually authenticate their contacts by selecting that they are 'trusted'; these will be indicated by a green lock on the right hand side of the screen. During an end-to-end encrypted conversation or call, this indicator will change its color to grey.
Another feature added to Viber is the hidden chat function. With this, a user can hide specific one-on-one or group conversations from the 'chats' screen. To make it visible, users need to correctly enter a 4-digit PIN.
Currently, the messaging app has more than 700 million users.
"We take our users' security and privacy very seriously, and it's critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber," said Michael Shmilov, COO. "We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves," he added.
Read more -here-
