By Jim Calloway

Digital interactions form the backbone of lawyers’ daily communications, as is true for many businesses. Today we will discuss security for sensitive text messages.

Apple’s iMessage

Most readers are aware that Apple’s iMessage encryption provides end-to-end encryption. That encryption was upgraded in 2024. Apple’s improvements are significant as Apple iMessage is encrypted, but if the recipient isn’t registered with Apple iMessage (e.g. Android user) or if data connectivity issues occur, it will fall back to send via SMS, which lacks encryption.

If you want to use Apple’s iMessage and avoid sending unencrypted SMS messages at all costs, you must ensure that both you and your recipient have iMessage active and functioning when you send a message—and consider disabling “Send as SMS” in Settings, though that may mean your message just won’t send at all when iMessage fails. For most lawyer-users, this is too much, as we have many friends, family and lawyers we text who use Android phones. Knowing this option exists means you can set it for a limited time if you have a need.

Now let’s discuss what many believe is the most secure messaging tool. Signal Private Messenger, which stands out as a beacon of privacy and security.

An Overview of Signal Private Messenger

Signal Private Messenger is an encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation. Launched in 2014, it quickly gained a reputation for strong security features and commitment to user privacy. Unlike many other messaging platforms, Signal is open-source, which means its code is publicly accessible and can be reviewed by anyone. This transparency builds trust, as users and experts alike can verify the app’s security claims.

You can only use Signal to communicate with others who have installed Signal. This is like WhatsApp Messenger.

Signal features end-to-end encryption. The encryption keys are stored on users’ devices, not on Signal’s servers, making it virtually impossible for third parties, including Signal itself, to access the messages.

The app collects minimal user data. Unlike many other messaging services that mine user data for advertising purposes, Signal does not store metadata about users’ communications. There are no ads, no trackers and no data monetization. The only information Signal needs to function is a phone number, which is used only for account creation and authentication.

Signal voice and video calls are also end-to-end encrypted. Signal also includes features such as disappearing messages, which automatically delete messages after a set period. Group chats in Signal are also encrypted, making sure group conversations remain confidential.

Signal includes a screen security feature to guard against other apps and services capturing screenshots of your conversations.

Should you Try Signal?

Signal Private Messenger is easy to install and is free. It is a powerful tool for lawyers attempting to secure clients’ confidential data when communicating via text. We judge it a reliable, secure and user-friendly solution for those who want to protect their privacy and their client confidences.

Suggested Reading

How to Use Signal App: 12 Must-know Tips for Beginners (2021)

Why I’m Switching to Signal by Leo Notenboom of Ask Leo!

iMessage gets a major makeover that puts it on equal footing with Signal