The protocol is built from the same digital DNA as the Tor browser and the chat app Signal and will be used to create new ways for folks to communicate, share files, and generally surf the web while simultaneously protecting their privacy.
This news makes it sound like theres no encrypted messaging protocols around. I wish it was more clear what is special about this one. Is it the integration of onion routing and end to end encryption into one protocol?
I am always skeptical when new encryption protocols are announced. We already have quite a few properly reviewed and proven ones. Any new one has to stand all those tests first before it can be considered secure.
That doesn’t say anything. I can tell you “I am using AES256” which is a proven cipher, but I can use it totally wrong, by using an inadequate block mode or not initializing it correctly. Or by using shitty keys, inadequate pseudo-random sources, etc.
If a new protocol is based on Tor and Signal, it’s still a new protocol. If they don’t use the existing protocols unmodified, they might break crucial parts in the larger security model.
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