Secure Messaging

Secure Messaging

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Millions of users now enjoy the benefits of modern secure messaging apps. In recent years, these platforms have introduced much stronger security features than ever before, leveraging technologies like the Signal protocol library (used by WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook’s Secret Conversations) and other advanced solutions.

This seminar will explore the theoretical foundations behind the design of these protocols, drawing from a selection of relevant research papers in this active and rapidly evolving field. Topics will include the novel security properties of these protocols, the subtle edge cases and security challenges in group messaging, and recent studies suggesting that the actual security achieved may be less than anticipated.

While most of the papers are technical and feature security models and proofs, understanding the proofs will not be required for the presentations. During the proseminar, our primary focus will be on presenting and discussing scientific work. Students will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. A background in cryptography or protocol analysis can be helpful but is not essential.

 

Requirements: Preferably students should have completed the core Security, Cybersecurity I or II lectures.

Places: 10