As much as we like to believe that our personal messages shared through Facebook and Skype are secure, the reality is far different. Most of today's popular messaging services don't feature end-to-end encryption, which means that the data shared through the messages can easily be intercepted and exposed.

End-to-end encryption allows more private communication by locking away any shared information between the two parties involved in the conversation. With an encryption system in place, internet service providers, governments, or hackers can't gain access to the shared information. Thus, encrypted messaging applications are a much safer solution to private online communication nowadays.

However, besides using encrypted messaging apps, users should also encrypt other areas of their online activities, such as browsing and downloading content. The easiest way to achieve a better level of security is to use a VPN (a virtual private network), which encrypts all data traveling to and from your device. By combining a VPN service with any of the encrypted messaging apps listed below, you will reduce the chances of data exposure and theft.

#1 WhatsApp

WhatsApp is perhaps the most popular app on this list, with billions of users across the globe. This application has been offering an encryption feature since 2016. That is when they decided to focus on providing more secure communication.

Each message sent through WhatsApp is encrypted, which means that even if the app itself got breached, hackers wouldn't be able to decode your conversations. WhatsApp is a fast and convenient free messaging solution and a good option for individuals and small businesses.

#2 Viber

Viber, although more popular in Europe, is another widely used encrypted messaging app. The encryption feature came with the release of their 6.0 version, along with plenty of other useful features.

Besides the enhanced security, Viber is known for the exceptionally high-quality video calling experience. The application offers a variety of features, from video and audio calls to group chats and message customization options. Most importantly, all data shared through the app remains protected, thus keeping the users' info safe from hackers and third parties.

#3 Telegram

Next up is Telegram, the go-to option for group chat type of messaging. Telegram is known as one of the most secure encryption apps out there because of a special feature called "secret chats." Telegram allows users to create secret chats where they can choose to delete their messages from other people's phones.

The app also allows users to set a time when the messages they've sent will self-destruct. This can either happen right after the other party reads the message or after a certain amount of time set by the sender. Secret chats are not a part of the Telegram's cloud, which means users can only access secret chat messages from the device they originally used to send the message.

#4 Signal

Signal is a secure encryption app created by Whisper Systems, a company known for its focus on encryption and security. Twitter acquired Signal back in 2011 in hopes to add extra security to their platform. What's interesting about this app is that all communication within it is encrypted by default.

Signal is one of the few apps that use this default encryption system nowadays. Signal has recently received a $50 million investment from the co-founder of WhatsApp, Brian Acton, in support of the Signal Foundation's mission. Their mission is to make private communication free and more accessible across various platforms.

#5 Dust

Last but not least, one more encrypted app you should check out is Dust. You might remember this app as Cyber Dust, as that was its previous name. The main feature of this application is communication encryption with a focus on enabling secure and private exchange of information.

Dust allows users to delete their messages from other people's devices without permanently storing data anywhere. Messages in this app are heavily encrypted and not accessible to anyone other than the sender and the receiver. Dust is known to use the combination of AES 128 and RSA 248, two of the most powerful encryption protocols out there.

Start Using Encryption to Increase Your Online Security

Encrypted messaging apps will help protect your data against breaches, surveillance, or any type of tampering. It's not only businesses and corporations that should encrypt their data. Individual users should pay more attention to data security on a daily basis to protect their information and devices from cybercriminals. Besides using encrypted messaging apps, don't forget to set up a VPN for extra online security.