Popular encrypted messaging app Signal is facing criticism over a security issue in its desktop application. Researchers and app users are raising

As mentioned in the comments, plain text keys aren’t bad because they are necessary. You have to have at least one plain text key in order to be able to use encryption

  • thingsiplay@beehaw.org
    0·
    4 months ago

    Right, but if the keys were encrypted, then in a situation like a hack the thief/hacker can steal everything, but the users passwords and accounts. That’s why passwords and keys should never be saved in plain text. I think this is not overblown.

    We are talking about a software and company who is dedicated to encrypt the messages after all.

    • TimeSquirrel@kbin.melroy.org
      0·
      4 months ago

      It’s eventually going to have to be stored in plaintext somewhere. Where are you then putting the encryption key for the encryption keys and how do you start the chain of decryption without the first key?

    • limitedduck@awful.systems
      0·
      4 months ago

      Sorry, I don’t think I understand what you’re suggesting. Are you saying encryption keys should themselves be encrypted?

      FYI this story isn’t about plaintext passwords, it’s about plaintext encryption keys to chat history.