Threema is a great app and would’ve been one of the best encrypted messaging apps if its code was open source and if it had a desktop app. The app is well designed, intuitive, easy to set up, install and use, it also comes in a free version.
Updated 9 November 2018 v3.1
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated in any way to these Companies, this article is 100% our findings. There is no affiliate marketing in place through the links provided below, they’re provided for your convenience.
Contents of this article
Anonymous payment option with bitcoins.
On Android you can set a passphrase when you leave the app or the phones goes to sleep.
Threema is a great app and would’ve been one of the best encrypted messaging apps if its code was open source and if it had a desktop app. The app is well designed, intuitive, easy to set up, install and use, it also comes in a free version. Even in situations where the server is compromised (which is very rare or unheard of), your messages are still fully encrypted, they are not stored on their servers and they cannot be read. The app was rated so good it won the app of the year in 2015.
When checked alongside the criteria used for testing, Threema did wonderfully well and is rated highly. The app is great for both individuals and businesses who place a premium on data security and privacy.
Encryption Implementation: Threema uses state-of-the-art asymmetric cryptography to protect messages and calls between sender and receiver, as well as the communication between the app and the servers. Threema uses the “Box” model of the NaCl Networking and Cryptography Library to encrypt and authenticate.
End-to-end Encryption: Threema uses two different encryption layers to protect messages between the sender and the recipient; end to end encryption layer and transport layer. Messages sent between users are all encrypted (be it text, videos, images, and audio recordings).
Zero-knowledge: Threema has no knowledge of the contents of your messages, neither do they know who you are or your security keys, your keys are stored on the your device only. Threema also gives full anonymity to its users.
Server location: for apps to be free of interference from state sponsored criminals, their servers have to be located in “neutral countries” where they can’t be forced to disclose data they don’t want to share. We consider neutral countries to be countries outside the United States and European Union’s jurisdiction, neutral countries are not subject to US and EU laws.
Suitable for business use: Threema is a great tool for private users, businesses and organizations. Threema Work is recommended for business use, it was made to cater for their data needs. They offer a trial version for testing the app.
User administration: group admins are the only ones with the right to add and delete members from a group.
Resistance to state-sponsored criminals: Threema will not decrypt your messages even if they’re required by law to. That in itself is impossible because Threema does not have the keys to do so as they are all stored on your devices. When we say state sponsored criminals we mean the police, prosecutors etc. Their crimes are considered legal because the state institutions that should put them in check have been corrupted. When they perform illegal activities, they can cover them in whatever ways they like. They are technically sound and can intercept and read IMAP, POP3, TLS, and SSL. They can also spoof your email provider’s SSL certificate. They can access your SMS and emails by simply using the recovery option. That’s why it’s important to always use encryption software, encrypt all your devices, and make sure you buy hardware outside the country you live in.
Multi-platform: Threema exists on the major platforms like Android, iOS and Windows phone.
Threema can be downloaded on Google’s Play Store and Apple store, but isn’t available as a desktop app. To use as a desktop app on Windows, you have to install Bluestacks which is an Android Emulator that runs android apps on Windows. Here’s how to do it;
• Download Bluestacks at https://www.bluestacks.com/.
• Set up a Google account. See our article Why not make a burner.
• Download Threema APK.
• Install the APK on Bluestacks by clicking on the downloaded Threema file and installing with Bluestacks.
• Run Threema from Bluestacks and fill in your details to use the app.