Following footsteps of WhatsApp Messenger, Viber has also rolled out end-to-end encryption for Android, iOS, PCs and Mac desktops.
The end-to-end encryption comes is for all your messages, voice or video call, videos, photos that belong to individual or group chat. For those unaware, end-to-end encryption refers to the data that is encrypted the moment it is sent from one device until the moment it is received by the intended recipient.
Viber is also rolling out a new account verification feature with its latest update, essentially a color-coded lock on the screen that indicates the security status of another person’s account. Users will see a color-coded lock on the right hand side of the screen indicating the level of security. During an end-to-end encrypted conversation and call users will see a grey padlock icon. Tapping on this icon will display a tooltip letting users know that messages sent by the participants are encrypted
Moreover Viber has also launched ‘Hidden Chats’ feature that allows users to hide specific chats from the main screen. These chats can only be accessed using a four digit PIN, providing an optional additional layer of privacy to users’ personal communications. For iOS users, the app will provide an option for a fingerprint. 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.
Users also have the option of manually authenticating their contacts by selecting that they are ‘trusted’. This means that the selected contact’s authentication key will be monitored for future changes so users can be certain that they’re talking to the right person at all times. Tapping on the green padlock will display a tooltip letting users know that messages sent by the participants are encrypted and your contact is verified. This padlock will turn red if there is ever a problem authenticating the user. Finally, the latest update adds a new ‘Delete’ feature which allows users to delete messages on the recipient’s phone even after they have sent them.
Users will automatically be protected by end-to-end encryption in all communications on their smartphone once they have upgraded to the latest version of Viber – v6.0 or higher. Users who are also using Viber on an iPad, Android tablet or desktop will be prompted to re-connect it to their phone using a QR code. The end-to-end encryption is rolling out globally over the coming weeks.
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