The Signal messenger has gained wide popularity among ordinary users. Its key advantages are a high level of security and ease of use. Largely due to its security, the messenger has become one of the top products on the market of communication products. Signal uses an end-to-end encryption protocol, has an open source code and does not belong to any specific company that could be pressured to obtain data if desired. For these reasons, it is generally accepted that the messenger is one of the most secure solutions through which you can safely send messages.
However, in August 2024, it became known that Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger in the Russian Federation. We will tell you what alternatives there are to replace it.
Signal messenger blocked in Russia. What is known
Roskomnadzor blocked the Signal messenger, after which significant problems began in its operation on August 9, 2024. Users began to note the slowdown of the application, difficulties in sending and reading messages. In most cases, the messenger stopped working altogether.
The reason for the blocking is "violation of Russian legislation." This explanation was given by Roskomnadzor itself. The goal is to prevent the use of the messenger for terrorist and extremist purposes.
What to Replace Signal Messenger With: A Review of Russian Secure Messengers
When the Signal messenger does not work, it is worth considering a number of alternative solutions that are available on the Russian market. Let's consider the most popular ones.
Among them:
- eXpress
- Frisbee
- Squadus
- VK Teams
- IVA Connect
- ViPNet CSS
Let's take a closer look at each one.
eXpress
The eXpress messenger has become a good alternative to Signal. It is quite secure and safe, has a certificate from the Russian FSTEC for the 6th and 4th levels of trust. In addition, it offers convenient functionality and a wide range of options for comfortable communication.
eXpress was developed in Russia and is included in the register of domestic software. The company employs more than 120 developers who improve the security of the messenger daily. eXpress uses containerization, data protection, user access control (via a role model), and also allows you to prohibit data export. It is possible to deploy eXpress both on the company's own servers and in a secure cloud. A great option when the Signal messenger does not work, but you want to get the same functionality while maintaining the highest information security criteria.
Frisbee
Frisbee is a secure corporate messenger. A fairly secure and flexible solution as an alternative to Signal. In Frisbee, you will get encryption of calls, messages and media. All encryption occurs according to national industry standards. In addition, the hosting is carried out in a trusted data center.
The developers check the messenger for vulnerabilities daily, conduct numerous tests and checks. Audit tools are available to users. According to the developers, Frisbee is 100% fail-safe and provides a high level of data security.
Squadus
Squadus is a digital platform for convenient and secure communication with colleagues. Here you can communicate in chats, create teams, create channels and conduct discussions, set video and audio conferences directly from the mail calendar, and edit files in correspondence.
The messenger provides full control over the information sent. All data is located on the local servers of the organization or partner of the company. The application uses powerful encryption, as well as two-factor authentication. Squadus also uses a well-thought-out logging system, a separate role model is available along with a password and a waiting room to ensure corporate security. A good option when the Signal messenger is blocked.
VK Teams
VK Teams is a secure user super-app for team collaboration from any device. Recently, the VK Teams team has significantly worked on data security and protection. The developers have made several stages of protection, which, in theoretical hacking, will allow hackers to access only a single cell that stores only a limited set of data. This significantly reduces the possible negative consequences if the hack does occur.
IVA Connect
IVA Connect is a corporate application for exchanging messages, photos, videos and audio. Here you can conveniently add and delete contacts, create chats, participate in video conferences, make personal and group calls, and plan events. IVA Connect ensures the protection of all information processed during use. For this, the latest developments in encryption and the creation of an absolutely secure environment for users who value security are used. It is a completely Russian solution.
ViPNet CSS
ViPNet CSS has become a good alternative to Signal when you want to have applications for confidential communication of corporate users at hand. All encryption during the exchange of messages and calls occurs with the provision of ViPNet Client software - ViPNet CSS has full integration with it. This allows you to make secure calls, safely exchange messages and documents in personal correspondence.
Conclusion
So, what should an ordinary user choose when the Signal messenger is blocked? Choose the one that suits you in terms of functionality and all information security parameters, so as not to worry about protecting important corporate data and sensitive information about the company. Considering that the security of the entire eXpress platform is confirmed by the FSTEC of Russia certificate, and for corporate customers it is possible to deploy on secure on-premise servers, this is one of the most suitable options.
We wish you safe and secure communication!
