Try running an online search for apps that can intercept chat or text messages. Among the results, you may find the spyphone.com site that offers to sell you the capability to capture the instant messages of almost anyone anywhere in the world who uses apps including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Line, and others. This site includes a disclaimer at the bottom of the page stating it is the responsibility of the user of the products and services they offer to determine whether they are violating the law. You may also find an August 2020, article from urdesignmag.com that provides a list of the ten best free applications for intercepting text messages. The Urdesign page prefaces its article by emphasizing the benefits of monitoring children’s messages to keep them safe, but also states that, by using the tools listed, you can intercept anyone’s text messages for any reason without ever touching their smartphone.
Based on this, you may wish to consider using a secure messaging application that encrypts your messages, allowing only the intended recipients to read them.
What is end-to-end encryption?
If an instant message is encrypted end-to-end, its contents are encrypted (encoded) from the time that it is written by the sender, throughout the transmission phase, and until it is unencrypted by the intended recipient using a decryption key stored on that person’s device. This prevents anyone, including hackers intercepting messages, the sender’s Internet Service Provider, or anyone else from reading the contents. Some encrypted messaging service providers also offer secure calling and video services.
Free secure messaging services
Signal Private Messenger is a very popular free messaging app that provides encrypted texting and voice calling services. Signal users can also use it to securely share voice messages, pictures, and videos. Encrypted group chat is also available. Signal’s privacy protection and encryption features are always enabled by default, thus there is no danger of inadvertently sending unsecured data. Users can set expiration times on the messages they send so that they cannot be accessed once they expire. The signal does not have the keys to decode its users’ messages, nor does it track its users or bother them with ads. The application is free because the company is supported by grant money and donations. Signal’s source code is also open for viewing and review by developers to ensure that no monitoring functionality is being concealed from its users. A signal is available for free download at signal.org, where you will see an option to donate if you choose to do so. Versions are available for Android, Windows, iPhone, and iPad.
Wire is another popular app for secure messaging that also features conferencing services, group chats, and file sharing. Like Signal, Wire offers always-on, end-to-end encryption. Wire sends separate encryption keys for every message transmitted, eliminating any risk that a key may be compromised and used to access future messages. Also like Signal, Wire’s underlying source code is open for review and auditing. Wire provides no useful information to third parties and adheres to Switzerland’s stringent privacy laws, adding additional protection for its users. Wire offers both free versions for individual use and paid versions for commercial clients at wire.com/en/.
Other free secure messaging apps to consider are Threema, Telegram, and Wickr, all available for download. There are others as well.
Summary
Consider what you may have included in a chat using an unsecured messaging service. Consider also the free applications, readily available for download, that openly touts their ability to capture and read those messages without your knowledge or consent. If there are free, secure messaging applications available for your use, you may wish to give them a try. Privacy is a major concern and identity theft is commonplace. If you have the ability to protect your confidential information while online, why not do so?