Why Signal Still Leads in Secure Messaging Despite Human Errors
By Nadim Kahwaji The "Signalgate" scandal underscores the critical importance of secure communication protocols, especially among high-ranking officials. In March 2025, it was revealed that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior Trump administration officials used the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations. Notably, a journalist was inadvertently added to a group chat where plans for a U.S. airstrike in Yemen were being discussed, leading to widespread concern over potential breaches of operational security. Many people misunderstand the situation and wrongly assume that Signal's security is to blame, when in fact, Signal remains one of the most highly regarded messaging platforms for security and privacy. The actual incident involved the U.S. Defense Secretary accidentally adding an unauthorized individual, highlighting that even the most secure apps cannot compensate for user error. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp,...