How can you confirm that an SMS message is encrypted? (2024)

The first thing to do is to check what app you are using to send and receive SMS messages. Some apps, like Signal, WhatsApp, or iMessage, use end-to-end encryption by default, which means that only the sender and the receiver can access the content of the messages. Other apps, like Android Messages or Samsung Messages, may use encryption only if both parties have the same app and enable a feature called chat or RCS. You can usually tell if an app is using encryption by looking for a lock icon, a blue bubble, or a verification code on the screen.

The second thing to do is to check what network you are using to send and receive SMS messages. Some networks, like GSM or CDMA, use encryption to protect the messages from being intercepted by the carrier or other parties. However, the level and type of encryption may vary depending on the network provider, the country, and the device. Other networks, like Wi-Fi or mobile data, may not use encryption at all, or may use a weaker form of encryption that can be easily broken. You can usually tell what network you are using by looking for a signal icon, a Wi-Fi icon, or a data icon on the screen.

The third thing to do is to check the settings of your device and your app to see if you can enable or disable encryption for SMS messages. Some devices, like iPhones or Android phones, have settings that allow you to turn on or off encryption for SMS messages. For example, on an iPhone, you can go to Settings > Messages > Send as SMS and toggle it off to use iMessage instead of SMS. On an Android phone, you can go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Advanced and toggle on Chat features to use RCS instead of SMS. Some apps, like Signal or WhatsApp, have settings that allow you to verify the encryption status of your messages. For example, on Signal, you can tap on the name of the contact and scan a QR code or compare a safety number to confirm that the messages are encrypted.

The fourth thing to do is to check the content of the SMS message to see if it looks encrypted or not. An encrypted message will usually look like a random string of letters, numbers, and symbols that make no sense to anyone who does not have the key to decrypt it. An unencrypted message will usually look like a normal text that anyone can read and understand. However, this method is not foolproof, as some messages may be encrypted with a simple code that can be easily guessed or cracked. For example, a message that says "3P0L1C3" may be encrypted with a simple substitution cipher that replaces each letter with a number, but it can be easily decoded as "POLICE".

The fifth thing to do is to check the source of the SMS message to see if it is from a trusted or verified sender. Some SMS messages may be encrypted, but they may also be malicious, fraudulent, or spammy. For example, a message that claims to be from your bank, your government, or your friend, but asks you to click on a link, enter your personal information, or send money, may be a phishing attempt or a scam. You should always be careful and skeptical of any SMS message that you receive from an unknown or suspicious source, and never open any attachments or links that you do not trust.

The sixth thing to do is to check the receiver of the SMS message to see if they can decrypt and read it. Encryption is only effective if both the sender and the receiver have the same key or the same app to decrypt the message. If the receiver does not have the key or the app, they will not be able to read the message, and they may see an error message, a blank message, or a garbled message. You should always communicate with the receiver beforehand and agree on a method of encryption that works for both of you. You should also avoid sending sensitive or confidential information over SMS, and use a more secure channel, like email or voice call, if possible.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Mobile Communications

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