5 tools I trust to keep my online conversations private and anonymous

Signal / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Privacy is no longer just a buzzword -- it's entrenched in the ethos of society. But when it comes to getting serious about privacy, the big question is whether consumers are ready to switch from what they currently use to a more private option.

And, boy, are there options. Pick up a stone and toss it in a pond filled with apps and services, and you will almost certainly hit one that promises privacy, security, and (sometimes) anonymity for your communication needs.

Also: 9 ways to delete yourself from the internet (and hide your identity online)

But which of those choices are best suited to your needs? Only you can answer that question, but it would be nice to have a more limited selection to choose from.

Let me curate that list for you and offer a few options that I believe are the most viable. Sound good?

Also: The best secure browsers for privacy

Let's switch this conversation to a more private channel.

Privacy and security tips

Before I get into that, here are a few tips that can help improve your privacy and security when using communication apps:

Use pseudonyms or anonymous usernamesUse a VPNOnly use apps or services that employ end-to-end encryptionEmploy random and secure email address generatorsNever use public Wi-Fi when communicatingLimit device usage for prolonged periodsRegularly back up data in secure locationsNever install or use an unfamiliar communication app that has few or no reviewsUse multi-factor authenticationNever leave your phone, laptop, or tablet unattended in publicAlways use strong passwords generated by random generators found in password managers like BitwardenUse a passkey when availableRegularly clear the cache of your chosen appNever open links sent from unknown sources

Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested

With that out of the way, let's get to the list.

The most private ways to communicate

1. Signal

Yep, that Signal -- the one embroiled in a rather embarrassing situation. Fortunately for you and me, that situation will not mean the end of the service, nor does it eliminate it from consideration. 

Also: What is Signal? 7 features that make it a go-to app for private, secure messaging

Signal is still a great option for private, secure communication for several reasons. First, Signal uses world-class end-to-end encryption to ensure no one can read your messages except the recipient. Another reason is that Signal is a nonprofit, which means there is no corporation behind it to gather and use your information. Signal is free to use and has mobile and desktop apps for all major operating systems. One caveat is that Signal requires a phone number for signup, and to use your account on a desktop or laptop, you must access a QR code within the app to sync the clients.

2. Session

I've used Session before, and it's my top pick for both privacy and anonymity. What makes Session unique is that there is no recognizable user information associated with your account. You get a random string of characters (that is quite long) to use as your account ID. When you want to communicate with someone, give them that ID, and they can connect with you. 

Also: This new fully encrypted messenger app is serious about privacy

Once connected, they only see your ID -- not your name or email address. There is also zero personal information required at sign-up, no metadata associated with any message, and the service uses end-to-end encryption for security. This open-source messaging app (which can be installed on all major operating systems) is my go-to when I need to communicate under the cloak of anonymity. You can also lock the app with a password, so only those who know the password (hopefully just you) can access the app.

3. WhatsApp

If you use WhatsApp for one thing and one thing only, it should be for the self-destructing messages and images. Every conversation uses end-to-end encryption, except those associated with business accounts. Other than that, all communication in the app is protected by strong encryption. 

Also: WhatsApp releases new security features to protect users' IP addresses

Like Signal, WhatsApp requires a phone number to sign up. Some will see WhatsApp on the list and immediately think of Meta, which is not exactly a company known for being trustworthy. Even so, WhatsApp is huge, and with such a wide user base, the chances are pretty good that the person you want to communicate with privately is already using this app.

4. Encrypted email

No matter what you might hear, email is not dead, and it is not going anywhere soon. Email has been a primary source of communication for years and has become a sort of meme with regard to meetings. You've probably heard someone say, "That could have been an email," as they walk out of a meeting. That's because email is simple and ubiquitous. However, by default, your email client is not encrypting your messages. 

Also: How to encrypt your email (and why you should)

Even Gmail is limited to Transport Layer Security for email encryption, which means Google can still access the content of your messages. Paid Google Workspace accounts have access to S/MIME for email encryption, but users of free accounts are out of luck. If you use an app like Thunderbird, you should employ encryption so your messages can only be read by the recipient. The problem with this solution is that it is somewhat complex, and you must have the public keys of anyone you want to send encrypted emails to. I highly recommend that you find out whether the email service or app you use offers encryption. If your current option does not, find one that does.

5. Bitwarden Send

This one is a bit less widespread, and it is not exactly a convenient way of communicating. However, if you need to send a message that is not only encrypted but also self-destructing, the Bitwarden password manager has a feature called Send that makes this easy. 

Also: 5 Bitwarden features that make it my favorite password manager

You can use Send to transmit either a text message or a file, which means you could type a longer message (essentially a letter), attach it to a Send, assign it a password and a self-destruct date, and save it. You can then share the associated link with the person you want to view the message. You can use Send with both free and paid Bitwarden accounts (although the free account can only send text), and the app is available for all major operating systems.

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