SoK: Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging

Antonio Dimeo; Felix Gohla; Daniel Goßen; Niko Lockenvitz

Paper 2021/498

SoK: Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging

Antonio Dimeo, Felix Gohla, Daniel Goßen, and Niko Lockenvitz

Abstract

The secure multi-device instant messaging ecosystem is diverse, varied, and underrepresented in academia. We create a systematization of knowledge which focuses on the challenges of multi-device messaging in a secure context and give an overview of the current situation in the multi-device setting. For that, we analyze messenger documentation, white papers, and research that deals with multi-device messaging. This includes a detailed description of different patterns for data transfer between devices as well as device management, i.e. how clients are cryptographically linked or unlinked to or from an account and how the initial setup can be implemented. We then evaluate different instant messengers with regard to relevant criteria, e.g. whether they achieve specific security, usability, and privacy goals. In the end, we outline interesting areas for future research.

Metadata

Available format(s): PDF
Category: Cryptographic protocols
Publication info: Preprint. MINOR revision.
Keywords: secure messaging multi-device instant messaging protocols messengers
Contact author(s): antonio dimeo @ student hpi de
felix gohla @ student hpi de
daniel gossen @ student hpi de
niko lockenvitz @ student hpi de
nl @ nikolockenvitz de
History: 2021-04-19: received
Short URL: https://ia.cr/2021/498
License: CC BY

BibTeX

@misc{cryptoeprint:2021/498,
      author = {Antonio Dimeo and Felix Gohla and Daniel Goßen and Niko Lockenvitz},
      title = {{SoK}: Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging},
      howpublished = {Cryptology {ePrint} Archive, Paper 2021/498},
      year = {2021},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2021/498}
}