Signal appthat has become synonymous with privacy, is taking another step towards enhancing the security of its users. It recently announced the availability of a new feature that allows the creation of encrypted backups of conversations (secure backups), giving users the ability to restore their messages even in the event of loss or damage to their device.
The feature is already available in the beta version of Signal for Android, and will soon be expanded to iOS and desktop devices, after the testing phase is completed.
Signal secure backups: Free and paid options
The company makes it clear that users have two options: free backup subscription that covers all text messages and media content from the last 45 days, or a plan for a longer duration and increased storage space.
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Jim O'Leary, VP of Engineering at Signal, explains: "If you choose to enable secure copies, you'll be able to keep the last 45 days of messages and media for free. For longer history, we offer a subscription for $1.99 per month."
The free version provides 100 MiB of storage, enough for photos, videos, GIFs, files, and small-scale attachments. For those who want to store more, the paid version offers up to 100 GB, giving you significantly more flexibility.
This move is particularly significant, as it marks the first time Signal has introduced a paid feature. The explanation is practical: storing and transferring large amounts of media comes at a cost, and the company, as a non-profit organization, does not rely on advertising or selling user data.
The process and importance of the recovery key
With the feature enabled, the app automatically creates daily backups, overwriting the previous day's file. Messages scheduled to be deleted in 24 hours or messages that can only be viewed once are excluded from the process.
The most critical element is the recovery key: a unique 64-character code that is generated on the user's device and remains there. Neither Signal nor any third party has access to this code. It is the only way to decrypt backups, should a restore be necessary.
As O'Leary points out: "The recovery key is the only way to unlock your data. If it is lost, access to your backups is permanently lost. Signal has no way to recover it."
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The user will need to create a new key.
This choice, although strict, enhances the reliability of the application in terms of privacy, as it excludes the possibility of third-party intervention or unauthorized access.
Steady steps to enhance privacy
The new feature follows a series of moves Signal has made in recent times. In January, the platform introduced encrypted message syncing from primary devices to new connected devices (like iPads and computers), giving it the flexibility to use multiple devices without compromising security.
A few months later, it enabled “screen security” by default on all Windows 11 devices, aiming to prevent Microsoft’s artificial intelligence from capturing chat snapshots through the Recall feature.
It's also worth remembering that last year Signal added the ability to use custom usernames, allowing users to communicate without revealing their phone number – another major victory for anonymity.
Why it matters
The new secure backups feature isn't just about making it easier to restore messages. In fact, it's further proof of Signal's commitment to staying at the forefront of the battle for digital privacy.
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While many competing applications rely on revenue models from advertising and the exploitation of user data, Signal firmly follows the path of non-profit operation, investing in features that shield its users from leaks, surveillance, or commercial exploitation of their conversations.
The ability to choose whether to use the free or subscription version, combined with the transparency platform's on how and why the service is priced, creates a model that can serve as an example for other applications.
At a time when the debate around privacy and communications security is more intense than ever, Signal shows that it can pioneer by offering practical solutions, without compromising its core principles.
In a nutshell: Signal’s new secure backup feature gives users another way to keep their conversations safe , restore them whenever needed, and have full control over their data. Whether in the free or paid version, the message is clear: privacy remains at the forefront.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
