How to Get End-to-End Encryption on Skype
Skype is one of the most popular messaging apps out there, but it never offered the type of end-to-end encryption that would become the standard for other services like WhatsApp and iMessage .
Now it’s finally set to change thanks to a partnership between Microsoft (which owns a Skype) and Signal (for superbezopasnyh messaging application, approved by Edward Snowden ) for a new feature called ” Private Messages” . Here’s how to get end-to-end encryption in Skype and how to use it.
At this point, you need to sign up for the Skype Insider program to try out the latest update, but it shouldn’t take long. Just download Skype Preview , which is available for Mac, Windows, Android and Linux. (There is also an iOS version, but this is only available through Apple’s TestFlight program and access is limited.)
After Skype Preview is installed and you are logged in, all you need to do is select the “+” icon and select “New Private Conversation” from the drop-down menu. Then select the person you want to talk to and Skype will send them an invitation.
Besides end-to-end encryption, there are a few more features that make private Skype conversations stand out. Chat invitations are only valid for seven days, after which they will expire and must be resubmitted. Each private conversation is also limited to the device it was launched on, so if you want to talk privately on your computer and phone, you will have to send two separate invitations to the same person. Skype blocks the text of these encrypted conversations from displaying in your notifications for an extra layer of protection.
When you’re ready to end the conversation, you have two options. You can delete a chat by right-clicking (or holding if using a smartphone) and then selecting Delete Chat. This will not formally end the conversation, so you can continue the conversation later.
If you really want to end the discussion, you need to go to the chat header and then scroll down to End Private Conversation. Once you have done that, you will need to send a new invitation to start over.