Signal has expanded its encrypted backup system across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. The update adds on-device backups to iOS and desktop clients, aligns local backups around a cross-platform format and improves restoration when users move between operating systems.
Users can choose hosted or self-managed storage
On-device backups preserve an end-to-end encrypted copy at a destination selected by the user, such as local storage or a network-attached device. Signal now stores media separately from the main archive and avoids duplicate local copies, reducing the storage needed for recurring snapshots.
The hosted service remains optional. Signal says its paid tier can hold up to 100 gigabytes of media, while the free plan retains text and a limited period of media. A supplemental key stored in a trusted execution environment rotates daily, but restoration still requires the user’s recovery key.
Recovery keys become a high-value security asset
Organizations and individual users should protect backup recovery keys separately from devices and cloud accounts. Backup policies must also consider disappearing messages, endpoint compromise and recovery testing. SectechMedia tracks related identity and communications controls in its cybersecurity coverage.
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