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diff --git a/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.org b/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.org deleted file mode 100644 index e170727..0000000 --- a/blog/2020-03-25-session-messenger.org +++ /dev/null @@ -1,127 +0,0 @@ -#+date: 2020-03-25 -#+title: Session Private Messenger - -* Privacy Warning - -The company behind Session (Loki Foundation) is from Australia. If you didn't -know, Australia has introduced [[https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/bills/r6195_aspassed/toc_pdf/18204b01.pdf][legislation]] mandating companies comply with -government requests to build backdoor access into applications. For more -information, read my article on [[./2020-01-25-aes-encryption.html][AES Encryption]]. - -* About Session - -[[https://getsession.org][Session]] is a private, cross-platform messaging app from the [[https://loki.foundation][Loki Foundation]]. As -someone who has spent years looking for quality alternatives to major messaging -apps, I was excited when I first heard about Session. Reading through [[https://arxiv.org/pdf/2002.04609.pdf][Session's -white paper]], you can learn the technologies behind the Session app. Part of the -security of Session comes from the Signal protocol, which was forked as the -origin of Session. - -#+BEGIN_QUOTE -Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive metadata -collection, and is designed for people who want privacy and freedom from any -forms of surveillance. -#+END_QUOTE - -In general, this app promises security through end-to-end encryption, -decentralized onion routing, and private identities. The biggest change that the -Loki Foundation has made to the Signal protocol is removing the need for a phone -number. Instead, a random identification string is generated for any session you -create. This means you can create a new session for each device if you want to, -or link new devices with your ID. - -Since Session's website and white paper describe the details of Session's -security, I'm going to focus on using the app in this post. - -* Features - -Since most people are looking for an alternative to a popular chat app, I am -going to list out the features that Session has so that you are able to -determine if the app would suit your needs: - -- Multiple device linking (via QR code or ID) -- App locking via device screen lock, password, or fingerprint -- Screenshot blocking -- Incognito keyboard -- Read receipts and typing indicators -- Mobile notification customization -- Old message deletion and conversation limit -- Backups -- Recovery phrase -- Account deletion, including ID, messages, sessions, and contacts - -* Downloads - -I have tested this app on Ubuntu 19.10, Android 10, macOS Monterey, and iOS 15. -All apps have worked well without many issues. - -Below is a brief overview of the Session app on Linux. To get this app, you'll -need to go to the [[https://getsession.org/download/][Downloads]] page and click to link to the operating system -you're using. - -For Linux, it will download an AppImage that you'll need to enable with the -following command: - -#+BEGIN_SRC sh -sudo chmod u+x session-messenger-desktop-linux-x86_64-1.0.5.AppImage -#+END_SRC - -#+CAPTION: Session Download Options -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_downloads.png]] - -* Creating an Account - -Once you've installed the app, simply run the app and create your unique Session -ID. It will look something like this: -=05af1835afdd63c947b47705867501d6373f486aa1ae05b1f2f3fcd24570eba608=. - -You'll need to set a display name and, optionally, a password. If you set a -password, you will need to enter it every time you open the app. - -#+CAPTION: Session Login (Linux) -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_linux_login.png]] - -#+CAPTION: Session Login (macOS) -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_macos_login.png]] - -#+CAPTION: Password Authentication -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_password_authentication.png]] - -* Start Messaging - -Once you've created your account and set up your profile details, the next step -is to start messaging other people. To do so, you'll need to share your Session -ID with other people. From this point, it's fairly straightforward and acts like -any other messaging app, so I won't dive into much detail here. - -** macOS - -#+CAPTION: macOS Conversations -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_macos_conversations.png]] - -One key feature to note is that the desktop application now provides a helpful -pop-up box explaining the process that Session uses to hide your IP address: - -#+CAPTION: IP Address Help Box -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_ip.png]] - -** iOS - -The mobile app is quite simple and effective, giving you all the standard mobile -messaging options you'd expect. - -#+CAPTION: iOS App -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20200325-session-private-messenger/session_ios.png]] - -* Potential Issues - -I've discovered one annoying issue that would prevent from using this app -regularly. On a mobile device, there have been issues with receiving messages on -time. Even with battery optimization disabled and no network restrictions, -Session notifications sometimes do not display until I open the app or the -conversation itself and wait a few moments. This is actually one of the reasons -I stopped using Signal (this seems fixed as of my updates in 2021/2022, -so I wouldn't worry about this issue anymore). - -Looking for another messenger instead of Session? I recommend Signal, Matrix, -and IRC. |