In an era dominated by digital communication, the convenience of voice calls and SMS (Short Message Service) often overshadows their glaring security vulnerabilities. Despite their widespread use, these traditional communication methods were never designed with modern security challenges in mind. As cyber threats and surveillance intensify, the need for secure alternatives like Signal and other encrypted messaging platforms has become increasingly evident.

Why Voice and SMS Are Insecure

1. Lack of Encryption: SMS messages and standard voice calls operate over protocols that lack end-to-end encryption. This means that your communications can be intercepted and read by third parties, such as hackers, malicious insiders, or even network operators. In contrast, encrypted platforms use advanced protocols to ensure that only the intended recipient can access the content.
2. Susceptibility to Interception: SMS messages are transmitted in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception via sophisticated tools or techniques like SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) exploitation. SS7, a protocol used by telecom providers to route calls and texts, has well-documented security flaws that attackers can exploit to eavesdrop on calls or intercept text messages.
3. Reliance on Phone Numbers: Both SMS and voice calls rely on phone numbers, which can easily be spoofed or hijacked. SIM swapping, a common attack, enables fraudsters to take control of a victim’s phone number, granting them access to sensitive information like two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
4. Data Retention by Providers: Telecom companies often store records of SMS messages and call metadata, such as timestamps and participants, for extended periods. These records can be accessed by unauthorized entities, whether through hacking, legal demands, or internal misuse.
5. Incompatibility with Modern Security Practices: Traditional phone systems lack advanced features like forward secrecy, which ensures that past communications remain secure even if encryption keys are compromised in the future. This shortfall leaves voice and SMS communications inherently vulnerable to retrospective attacks.

The Case for Encrypted Messaging

Encrypted messaging platforms, such as Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram (when using secret chats), offer robust security features designed to protect user communications in the modern digital landscape. Here’s why these platforms are superior:

1. End-to-End Encryption: With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and recipient can access the communication content. Even the service provider cannot read messages or listen to calls.
2. Minimized Metadata: Platforms like Signal prioritize user privacy by minimizing the collection of metadata—the data about your communication, such as who you contact and when. This reduces the risk of surveillance and profiling.
3. Enhanced Authentication: Encrypted messaging apps often provide additional security features, such as safety numbers or QR code verifications, to ensure that you are communicating with the intended recipient and not an imposter.
4. Resistance to SIM Swapping: These platforms decouple identity from phone numbers by using unique identifiers or alternative authentication methods, reducing the risk of SIM swap attacks.
5. Open-Source Code: Many secure messaging apps, including Signal, are open source. This transparency allows security experts to audit the code for vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection against emerging threats.

While voice calls and SMS may seem convenient, their inherent vulnerabilities make them ill-suited for secure communication in today’s threat landscape. By adopting encrypted messaging platforms like Signal, individuals can safeguard their personal information and maintain privacy in an increasingly connected world. Making the switch is not just a step toward better security; it is an essential measure to protect our fundamental right to private communication.