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cloud.google.com·7h ago
Security
Trail of Bits Blog·Aug 11·5 min read
How Trail of Bits helps verify the integrity of your Signal chats
TL;DR
Signal has introduced Automatic Key Verification to enhance chat security by validating public keys without requiring in-person safety number checks. Trail of Bits operates an independent auditor to ensure the integrity of this system.
✦ Why It Matters
Enable Automatic Key Verification in Signal to enhance your chat security today.
Key Takeaways
- Enable Automatic Key Verification in Signal settings for enhanced security.
- Use the safety number verification screen for automatic key checks.
- Understand that automatic verification may not work for username-based chats.
- Fallback to manual safety number comparison if automatic verification fails.
How It Works
Automatic Key Verification employs a globally consistent view of public keys, making it difficult for malicious servers to hide mismatches. The Signal app periodically checks that the keys associated with a user's account match those in a public log maintained by auditors.
If inconsistencies are detected, users receive warnings, ensuring they are informed of potential security risks.