Viber launches full end-to-end encryption and ‘hidden chats’

Viber, one of the world’s leading messaging apps, has announced the launch of complete end-to-end encryption across all devices including Android and iPhone, iPad, Android tablets, PC and Mac desktops. This feature brings to Viber strengthened security in every voice or video call, message, video and photo, in both group messages and one-to-one communication. Available over the coming weeks to all users who have the latest version of Viber, end-to-end encryption will ensure users are automatically protected in all communications on their smartphone. Users who are using Viber on an iPad, Android tablet or desktop will be prompted to re-connect it to their phone using a QR code.

All communications can benefit from an additional layer of security through account verification. Users will see a colour-coded lock on the right hand side of the screen indicating the level of security: Grey Lock (indicates messages sent by the participants are encrypted); Green Lock (indicates messages sent by the participants are encrypted and your contact is verified), and Red Lock (indicates Viber cannot verify a phone number due to changed primary phone or a a man-in-the-middle-attack). “We take our users’ security and privacy very seriously, and it’s critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber,” said Michael Shmilov, COO of Viber. He added, “Because of this, we have spent a long time working on this latest update to ensure that our users have the most sophisticated security available and maximum control over their communications. We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves.” As part of this update, Viber also launches ‘Hidden Chats’, which allows users to hide specific chats from the main screen so no-one but the user knows they exist. These chats can only be accessed using a four digit PIN (or an option for a fingerprint for iOS users), providing an optional additional layer of privacy to users’ personal communications. Users will be notified of a message in a Hidden conversation without the text of the message, or who it is from, appearing on the screen.

By launching full end-to-end encryption and hidden chats, Viber demonstrates its increased focus on putting its users in control of their privacy and personal communications. Viber freely connects users around the world with the people that matter to them most. With more than 711 million unique users on the platform, Viber allows people to connect in the way that works best for them, whether that’s through individual messaging, video calls, group chats, or following brands and celebrities on Public Chats. Viber can be used on iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Windows Phone, Windows, Windows 8, Mac, Linux and Symbian devices over mobile or WiFi connections.