Signal’s Quantum Encryption Upgrade Explained — and What It Really Means for Secure Radio Networks

With very little fanfare, our favorite chat/DM app Signal announced that it is rolling out a new encryption algorithm that will make it much harder to decrypt private messages both now and in the future - even with quantum computing. from their announcement:

“What does this mean for you as a Signal user? First, when it comes to your experience using the app, nothing changes. Second, because of how we’re rolling this out and mixing it in with our existing encryption, eventually all of your conversations will move to this new protocol without you needing to take any action. Third, and most importantly, this protects your communications both now and in the event that cryptographically relevant quantum computers eventually become a reality, and it allows us to maintain our existing security guarantees of forward secrecy and post-compromise security as we proactively prepare for that new world.”

It is refreshing to see a company like Signal taking your privacy seriously. This is why Signal has been, and will continue to be, your best choice for everyday messaging. Do not believe the media when they tell you that Signal’s protocol was “hacked” and a journalist was able to read national security conversations. No hack was involved. Somebody let the journalist have access to that group, plain and simple. The fault lies completely with the person granting access, not with Signal.

Signal’s quantum upgrade is a software milestone, to be sure. But true resilience means staying connected when (not if) software, servers, and networks fail. That’s why Shielded Signals exists. That’s what we’re here to provide.

Shielded Signals CAN help you prepare for those situations. When everyday means of communications fail, shielded signals will help keep you in contact with your friends and family securely. Our encrypted VHF radios use military-grade 256-bit AES encryption. Standard on every radio. Our LoRa Meshtastic nodes also provide AES-256 encryption, giving you peace of mind that your digital messages are safe and secure. And, since everything we provide is truly “off-grid”, you never have to worry about the status of the local cell phone providers or internet service providers.

Shielded Signals. Your first choice for encrypted, off-grid, communications.