For a while now, I have wanted to test the Signal app, as it is @@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ the recipe how I did it.
git clone https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Desktop.git -Next, I patched the source to use be able to talk to other Signal -users using
+Next, I patched the source to use the production servers, to be +able to talk to other Signal users:
cat <<EOF | patch -p0 @@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ exec chromium \ --user-data-dir=`pwd`/userdata --load-and-launch-app=`pwd`-
The script set start the app and configure Chromium to use the Tor +
The script start the app and configure Chromium to use the Tor SOCKS5 proxy to make sure those controlling the Signal servers (today Amazon and Whisper Systems) as well as those listening on the lines will have a harder time location my laptop based on the Signal @@ -95,6 +95,15 @@ but such leakage is hard to avoid with a centrally controlled server setup. It is something to keep in mind when using Signal - the content of your chats are harder to intercept, but the meta data exposing your contact network is available to people you do not know. -So better than many options, but not great. There are options -avoiding such leakage, but most of my friends are not using them, so I -am stuck with Signal for now.
+So better than many options, but not great. And sadly the usage is +connected to my land line, thus allowing those controlling the server +to associate it to my home and person. I would prefer it if only +those I knew could tell who I was on Signal. There are options +avoiding such information leakage, but most of my friends are not +using them, so I am stuck with Signal for now. + +Update 2017-01-10: There is an updated blog post +on this topic in +Experience +and updated recipe for using the Signal app without a mobile +phone.