In today’s age, every person who has a smartphone will definitely have a messaging app. They heavily rely on these messaging apps to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. However, many famous message apps lack security measures. This leaves user’s data vulnerable and causes privacy invasions.
A new technology, P2P, was introduced to address these security concerns. It prioritizes privacy and security in texting. This article will discuss what P2P is and how it works. It will also cover how secure P2P is compared to traditional messaging apps.
What does P2P mean in texting
P2P stands for Peer-to-peer texting. It refers to an exchange of messages between individuals. People usually use their cell phones. People exchange messages directly through P2P texting. No central server or platform is involved.
This method is used for personal talks. Because communication happens in real time, you can communicate instantly. This form of messaging uses regular SMS or MMS messages and a standard protocol.
Example use of P2P includes:
- Conversation of two friends.
- Conversation between family members
- A freelancer is talking to a client about work.
- Professional texting between the company manager and his employee
History of P2P
The first signs of P2P appeared at the end of the last century and the start of the 21st. They were in file-sharing networks – Napster, Gnutella, and BitTorrent. P2P technology was a direct exchange of information and files between users. It happened without a middleman server. This changed the distribution of digital content at that time. Over the years, the abbreviation “P2P” has become common in daily texting. It changed from an obscure piece of engineering into an intuitive symbol.
If you want something done from one user to another, it is in the text field and digital communication. P2P technologies have also come a long way. For example, the encryption used in current instant messengers like Signal and Bariar is also a form of P2P. The sender encrypts messages on their device. They are then decrypted on the recipient’s device.
How Secure is P2P Text Messaging
P2P offers a high level of security compared to traditional SMS and other messaging apps. Here is a detailed overview of its security features:
- P2P texting uses end-to-end encryption, which makes messages readable only by the sender and the recipient. Complex algorithms encrypt the messages, so no one other than the recipient can read them.
- P2P texting uses a decentralized network. Messages are not stored in a central server, removing the single point of failure and lowering the risk of a breach. Moreover, the system deletes the messages immediately.
- No Data Storage: The message is only transferred and deleted; it has no stored data, so the server can’t keep data.
- Enforces authentication, which prevents impersonation by the purported recipient.
- Secure Key Exchange: It uses secure key exchange, which means that encryption keys are exchanged securely.
- Regular Security Audits: P2P texting is usually audited often. Penetration tests find security loopholes.
- User-Controlled: P2P texting gives control to the user. The user manages contacts, encryption keys, and other vital info. This setup secures their data at all costs.
- Lastly, many P2P texting services are open-source. This means that developers can review and edit the code to enable transparency and security.
Popular P2P Text Apps
P2P texting platforms offer more direct ways to message. These apps are more decentralised and often more secure. Apps do not rely on a central server. They use encryption and direct connections. These keep things private and secure. Here are some major P2P texting platforms that have made significant impacts:
- Signal
Signal is an independent non-profit. It provides high-end, end-to-end encryption. The open-source Signal Protocol powers it to keep conversations safe. It is advert-free and tracker-free and is available to all for free.
It has grown in popularity among people who value their privacy. Whistleblowers have recommended the tool. People donations and grants support its creation and development. Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC developed it.
- Briar
It is also an open-source messaging app that provides censorship-resistant, peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses central servers. The user’s device securely stores messages rather than storing them in the cloud. The app can connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Tor and has built-in privacy.
Bariar is quite particularly valued in regions with heavy internet surveillance or censorship. Michael Rogers started the Briar project to support freedom of expression.
- Tox
Tox is yet another P2P messaging app that enables you to get in touch with family and friends with nobody eavesdropping on you. It`s completely free and ad-free. This app encrypts messaging, calls, video chat, group chat, and file transmission.
Tox is a volunteer-run, freezable, open-source program. It is not a business or some other legal body.
Different Use Cases of P2P Other Than Texting
P2P forms a network of decentralised platforms. When two or more computers connect, they can share resources other than text messages. They don’t need any central server. Here are some use cases of P2P other than texting
- File Sharing Networks
This is the most popular type of P2P technology. A file is divided into smaller sections and spread across various peers. Thus, when a person wants to receive the full file, he/she acquires individual pieces from various providers at the same time. As a result, the download process accelerates dramatically. BitTorrent can exemplify one application of P2P file sharing.
- Cryptocurrency Networks
Unlike banks, crypto networks use P2P technology. They use it to help digital transactions without a central authority’s token. Nodes verify each transaction using cryptography. Then, they record it in a public ledger called the blockchain. This process guarantees confidentiality and makes the financial exchange secure. Some popular crypto networks include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
A standard CDN fetches data from the main server and sends it to users upon request. However, in P2P CDNs, users can access much of the site’s content from nearby users who have already downloaded the same data.
In general, it is quick. It streamlines and saves money, improving the CDN and making it more effective and scalable for handling traffic from millions of users. Examples of P2P CDNs include Peer5, which is now becoming Microsoft eCND, Hive streaming, or WebTorrent.
What is A2P Texting
P2P is often compared to A2P texting. A2P texting is application-to-person messaging. In A2P, text is sent from software to person. It is one-way communication from an application to a person. It is usually automated and involves a high volume of messages with low customisations. Enterprises run this software.
Active sentence: Users use A2P for:
- Marketing campaigns
- Two-factor authentications
- Order Notifications
- Appointment reminders
- Unusual activity / Emergency Alerts
A2P messaging, also known as business SMS or enterprise SMS, is a cheap way for businesses to increase customer engagement.
Difference between A2P and P2P
Understanding A2P and P2P texting is vital. These classes decide which rules a company must follow when texting.
The key difference between P2P and A2P are:
| P2P | A2P |
| P2P is two-way communication | A2P is one-way communication |
| People use it for personal or professional communication. | Primarily used for notifications, marketing and automated messages |
| Involves low-volume messages with high personalisation. | It involves high-volume messages with low personalisation. |
| Users can send free-form text and multimedia through P2P | Pre-made templates or pre-defined messages are used because it is a one-way messaging |
Conclusion
In summary, P2P texting is valuable. It is for people who want a safe and private way to communicate. The network eliminates a middleman and uses end-to-end encryption. It’s decentralized and has perfected security standards. It provides a safe way to share data with anyone you’d like. Texting friends, family, and colleagues? Use P2P. It’s the best for privacy and security.