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sl8

(16,280 posts)

22. VPNs only encrypt all traffic *between the VPN endpoints*. For this security issue, you'll want a secure messaging app.

Reply to Windy Apple (Reply #9)

Wed Dec 4, 2024, 12:31 PM

Dec 4

Last edited Wed Dec 4, 2024, 02:23 PM - Edit history (1)

VPNs create a secure, encrypted "tunnel" betwen two endpoints. With a commercial VPN such as ExpressVPN, one endpoint is your device and the other is on an ExpressVPN server. Once your traffic leaves that tunnel, it's longer hidden by the VPN.

A VPN won't encrypt traffic end-to-end between the message sender and recipient. For that you'll need a secure messaging app.

There's a reason why the feds are recommending that people who are concerned with message security use secure message apps rather than a VPN.

On edit:

BTW, ExpressVPN posted an article last month comparing/recommending two secure messaging apps:

https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/signal-vs-telegram-which-messaging-app-is-better/?srsltid=AfmBOooXkvj4yFskGXj60kzso79cjapDc8RVfoL_ulDZzuDRgxh7mMGs

PC Magazine reviewed secure messaging apps this month.

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LauraInLA

29 replies

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Highlight:

U.S. officials urge Americans to use encrypted apps amid unprecedented cyberattack [View all] BumRushDaShow Dec 4 OP

OK ReRe Dec 4 #1

I hear you. SamKnause Dec 4 #2

Express VPN Windy Apple Dec 4 #3

VPN? ReRe Dec 4 #6

All set !! Windy Apple Dec 4 #8

All right, all right, all right!!! ReRe Dec 4 #10

Try this Windy Apple Dec 4 #4

From the article, eg WhatsApp or Signal muriel_volestrangler Dec 4 #5

Those apps Windy Apple Dec 4 #9

VPNs only encrypt all traffic *between the VPN endpoints*. For this security issue, you'll want a secure messaging app. sl8 Dec 4 #22

So... Windy Apple Dec 4 #29

Supposedly Apple's and Android's default messages apps are encrypted BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #7

Android to Apple is not encrypted. Basso8vb Dec 4 #26

I have been going through the SMS/RCS migration nightmare BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #27

Signal is free and serious. But the people you text also need to use it for real encryption. I think ProtonMail LauraInLA Dec 4 #24

The other day rambler_american Dec 4 #11

I know, right? tanyev Dec 4 #12

They could cover your groceries with MSG. JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 4 #13

Robohacking now thanks to AI Ponietz Dec 4 #14

Does China know I had a Walmart food delivery at 8pm last night? milestogo Dec 4 #15

My samsung phone did this with an automatic update. Jacson6 Dec 4 #16

I think this is aimed at government and business folks with sensitive info. usonian Dec 4 #17

That's what I was thinking but also to anyone involved in an election campaign BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #18

Since the trigger for this notice is the continuing (!) Chinese hack of telcos. I think it's aimed at business and govt. usonian Dec 4 #19

"I think it's aimed at business and govt." BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #20

Yup, I blew past 14,000 without noticing. usonian Dec 4 #21

The BumRushDaShow Dec 4 #23

I think there could actually be identity theft implications for everyone, though. When I think about some LauraInLA Dec 4 #25

Well, if they hack into anything I write they're going to be mighty, mighty bored. Vinca Dec 4 #28