Viber adds end-to-end encryption to help keep messages secure

With the feature, only the people communicating can actually read the message. No one, including Viber or anyone else, can decrypt what is being sent. Apple’s iMessage has always offered the security feature while WhatsApp added it earlier this month.

Here’s more from Viber about the feature:

As a user, all you need to do is make sure you have the latest version of Viber and you will be notified when your conversations are encrypted. We’re rolling this out globally over the next two weeks, and you’ll see a grey padlock to confirm you are secured. Additionally, we’ve ensured each user has an individual cryptography key associated with his or her device, allowing you to benefit from an added layer of security. You can manually authenticate contacts to select they are “trusted”. This will change the lock color to green, and if you ever see a red lock it means there is a problem with the authentication key. The breach may simply mean that a user has changed his or her primary phone; however, it can also indicate a man-in-the-middle-attack. To solve a possible breach state, the participant needs to be re-trusted.

The updated app also offers a number of other new features. Users can select to hide away specific chats from the main screen so no one knows they exist. They can be unlocked with a personalized PIN number.

Other additions include contact authentication, the ability to like media from the preview screen, and a reduced app size.

Viber is designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and all iPad models. It can be downloaded now on the App Store for free.

Apple Watch users can also take advantage of the messaging app on the wearable device. Here’s an interactive preview from our sister site WatchAware.

It’s good to see Viber roll out the important security feature to help keep user chats private and away from any prying eyes.