In today’s digital age, communication has become more convenient than ever, thanks to messaging apps like Viber. With over a billion registered users worldwide, Viber has become a popular choice for people looking to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues. One of the key features that set Viber apart from other messaging apps is its video calling functionality. But have you ever wondered, how safe is Viber video call?
Understanding Viber’s Security Features
Viber takes the security and privacy of its users very seriously. The app uses end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and the recipient can read or listen to the messages, calls, and video calls. This encryption is based on the Signal Protocol, a widely used and respected encryption protocol.
How End-to-End Encryption Works
End-to-end encryption is a method of secure communication where only the communicating users can read the messages. When you make a video call on Viber, your device encrypts the data before sending it to the recipient’s device. The encryption key is stored on the devices, and not on Viber’s servers. This means that even if Viber’s servers are hacked, the encrypted data cannot be accessed.
Key Components of Viber’s End-to-End Encryption
- Public Key Exchange: When you initiate a video call, Viber generates a public key, which is shared with the recipient. This public key is used to establish a secure connection.
- Session Key Establishment: Once the public key is shared, Viber generates a session key, which is used to encrypt the data.
- Encryption and Decryption: The session key is used to encrypt the data on the sender’s device and decrypt it on the recipient’s device.
Viber’s Video Call Security Features
In addition to end-to-end encryption, Viber has implemented several other security features to ensure the safety of its video calls.
Screen Sharing And Video Call Security
When you share your screen during a video call, Viber encrypts the screen sharing data, ensuring that only the recipient can view it. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and individuals who need to share sensitive information during video calls.
Video Call Security Features
- Secure Connection Establishment: Viber establishes a secure connection before initiating a video call.
- Real-time Encryption: Viber encrypts the video call data in real-time, ensuring that the data is protected from interception.
- Secure Disconnection: When the video call is ended, Viber securely disconnects the connection, ensuring that no sensitive data is left behind.
Third-Party Security Audits And Compliance
Viber regularly undergoes third-party security audits to ensure that its security features are up-to-date and effective. These audits are conducted by reputable security firms, which test Viber’s security features and provide recommendations for improvement.
Compliance With International Security Standards
Viber complies with international security standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). This ensures that Viber’s security features meet the highest standards of security and privacy.
Security Certifications
- ISO 27001: Viber has been certified with the ISO 27001 standard, which is an international standard for information security management.
- PCI-DSS: Viber has been certified with the PCI-DSS standard, which is a security standard for the payment card industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viber video call is safe and secure, thanks to its end-to-end encryption and other security features. Viber’s commitment to security and privacy is evident in its regular security audits and compliance with international security standards. Whether you’re using Viber for personal or business purposes, you can rest assured that your video calls are secure and protected from interception.
Is Viber Video Call Safe To Use?
Viber video call is considered safe to use, as it offers end-to-end encryption for all conversations, including video calls. This means that only the sender and the recipient can access the content of the call, and no third party can intercept or eavesdrop on the conversation. Additionally, Viber’s encryption is based on the widely-used and respected Signal Protocol, which is considered to be highly secure.
However, as with any messaging app, there are some potential risks to be aware of. For example, if your device is compromised by malware or a virus, your Viber conversations could be vulnerable to interception. Additionally, if you are using a public Wi-Fi network, your data could be at risk of being intercepted by hackers. To minimize these risks, it’s a good idea to use a secure internet connection and keep your device and Viber app up to date.
How Does Viber’s End-to-End Encryption Work?
Viber’s end-to-end encryption uses the Signal Protocol, which is a widely-used and respected encryption protocol. When you make a video call on Viber, your device generates a unique encryption key, which is used to encrypt the call. The encrypted call is then transmitted to the recipient’s device, where it is decrypted using the same encryption key. This means that only the sender and the recipient can access the content of the call, and no third party can intercept or eavesdrop on the conversation.
The Signal Protocol also includes additional security features, such as perfect forward secrecy and authentication. Perfect forward secrecy ensures that even if an attacker is able to obtain the encryption key, they will not be able to access any previous conversations. Authentication ensures that the recipient’s device is genuine and not an imposter.
Can Viber Video Calls Be Hacked?
While Viber’s end-to-end encryption makes it difficult for hackers to intercept video calls, it is not impossible. If a hacker is able to gain access to your device or the recipient’s device, they may be able to intercept the call. Additionally, if a hacker is able to obtain the encryption key, they may be able to decrypt the call. However, this would require a significant amount of technical expertise and resources.
To minimize the risk of hacking, it’s a good idea to use a secure internet connection and keep your device and Viber app up to date. You should also be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as these can be vulnerable to hacking. Additionally, you should use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your Viber account.
Does Viber Collect User Data?
Viber does collect some user data, such as your phone number, device information, and usage patterns. However, this data is not shared with third parties, and Viber does not use it to target advertising. Viber also collects some metadata, such as the date and time of calls, and the duration of calls. However, this metadata is not linked to the content of the calls, and it is not used to identify individual users.
Viber’s data collection policies are outlined in its privacy policy, which is available on its website. According to the policy, Viber collects data to improve its services, to prevent spam and abuse, and to comply with legal requirements. Viber also provides users with options to control their data, such as the ability to delete their account and to opt out of data collection.
Is Viber Video Call Safe For Business Use?
Viber video call is considered safe for business use, as it offers end-to-end encryption and a range of security features. Viber’s encryption is based on the widely-used and respected Signal Protocol, which is considered to be highly secure. Additionally, Viber’s data collection policies are designed to protect user data, and the company does not share data with third parties.
However, as with any messaging app, there are some potential risks to be aware of. For example, if your device is compromised by malware or a virus, your Viber conversations could be vulnerable to interception. Additionally, if you are using a public Wi-Fi network, your data could be at risk of being intercepted by hackers. To minimize these risks, it’s a good idea to use a secure internet connection and keep your device and Viber app up to date.
How Does Viber Compare To Other Messaging Apps?
Viber is considered to be one of the most secure messaging apps available, thanks to its end-to-end encryption and range of security features. However, other messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Signal, also offer end-to-end encryption and are considered to be highly secure. The main difference between Viber and these apps is the level of data collection and the use of metadata.
Viber collects some user data, such as phone numbers and device information, but it does not share this data with third parties. WhatsApp, on the other hand, collects more user data, including usage patterns and metadata, and shares this data with its parent company, Facebook. Signal, on the other hand, collects very little user data and does not share any data with third parties. Ultimately, the choice of messaging app will depend on your individual needs and preferences.