Secure Messaging: Signal, Briar, XMPP via Tor — Which to Use and When

Intro

If you're using the darknet but still chatting on Telegram — we have a problem. Secure messaging isn't just "disappears after 5 seconds" — it’s about zero metadata, encrypted keys, offline mode, and route anonymity. Signal, Briar, and XMPP via Tor offer different approaches. Let's see where each fits — and who leaks first.

📲 Signal — Top Encryption, But Not Anonymous

How it works:

• End-to-end encryption (Signal Protocol).
• Linked to a phone number.
• Uses centralized Signal servers.

Pros:

• Solid cryptography (used even by WhatsApp).
• Group, audio, and video support.
• Open source.
• Built-in MITM protection.

Cons:

• Requires a real phone number (or a burner if you're lucky).
• Connection to servers is traceable.
• Doesn’t work natively over Tor.

Best for: Secure but non-anonymous communication between trusted parties.

🔦 Briar — Offline Messenger for Paranoids

How it works:

• End-to-end encrypted.
• Works via Tor, Bluetooth, or local Wi-Fi — no internet needed.
• No servers — purely peer-to-peer.

Pros:

• Fully decentralized.
• Works offline.
• No metadata — no logins, no IPs, no timestamps.

Cons:

• Android-only.
• No cloud backups.
• Requires both parties to be online.
• Very minimal interface.

Best for: Activists, field operatives, or anyone paranoid about metadata and exposure.

🛰 XMPP via Tor — Custom Oldschool That Works

How it works:

• Standard message protocol (Jabber/XMPP) routed through Tor.
• Connects to .onion servers via Tor-supported clients (e.g. Gajim + Tor, Dino, Conversations).

Pros:

• Supports OMEMO or PGP encryption.
• Anonymous .onion servers available (like jabber.calyxinstitute.org).
• Username-based, not phone-linked.

Cons:

• Needs manual setup.
• Server uptime can be hit or miss.
• Requires maintenance of configs and clients.

Best for: Users wanting flexible, anonymous encrypted messaging — and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

🔐 OPSEC Tip

Never mix protocols.
Don’t be on the darknet while chatting in Telegram or Discord — especially with the same usernames. It’s not the app that outs you, it’s the behavioral correlation.

🛠 Quick Trick

Use Tails + Briar offline.
You can chat over Wi-Fi between two machines without touching the internet. That’s OPSEC level where even your ISP doesn’t know you exist.

Conclusion

• Signal — Security without anonymity.
• Briar — Anonymity without infrastructure.
• XMPP over Tor — A hybrid for those who want flexibility and control.

Choose based on your priorities: anonymity, usability, or customization.
And remember: encrypted ≠ secure. Know the difference.