#threema

I will just have to go through the pain of finding a different app for sending pictures in messages.

Think about this. My bank, who has sent me the verification code per letter (you know, actual paper delivered by irl post mail service) was faster than the company whose business is communication.

When i clicked "send me the verification code" i got a confirmation message to my phone. I didn't even get a confirmation email from threema despite needing to insert my email address.

I used to ask people to use threema for privacy and data safety reasons.

I filled out their form on their website on saturday. I didn't get an email confirming they got the note.

I am starting to suspect that that form is a burner that does NOT send an actual inquiry or something to their support team. I am actually even suspicious on them having a support team at all.

DEIT: I have now written an E-Mail asking for a confirmation of the original support message being received, but I doubt I will get any answer to that.

The reset was done, I re-installed my needed apps, and then I got to threema.

I have not been able to restore my threema no matter what.

I KNOW I made a "safe backup" (stored on threema's servers), but I don't recall being asked for a passwort. I tried everything, but threema tells me "there is no backup with that data".

I made two backup files; one with and one without "big media". I transmitted them by cable and tested their integrity: they're fine. Flawless, if you ask WinZip. But threema refuses to take either of them and tells me that the file is broken.

I even went ahead and replaced some files in a copy of the zip to try that, but I either get an infinity-loop or error message.

I used to think people were being useless when they reported being unable to get threema to work on a new phone and needing to get a new profile. And these are people who have the same tech training as me and I have worked with them. I'd say they are easily more competent than me. But I always made my backups and never had an issue, so I figured it was them not the app.

Thing is, I never had to INSTALL a backup, only save things.

Goodness this breaks me.

Threema news

Threema, a Swiss encrypted messaging platform, has partnered with IBM Research to strengthen digital privacy against future technological threats. The alliance seeks to incorporate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in Threema's communication ecosystem to ensure security in the age of quantum computing.

Quantum Challenge: Bits vs. Qubits

This collaboration is crucial because classical and quantum computing differ fundamentally. Traditional computers use bits, which can only be 0 or 1. However, quantum computers use qubits that use superposition and entanglement.

Because qubits can adopt several states, quantum computers can perform complex computations faster than even the most powerful conventional machines. This processing capacity change threatens classical encryption, the foundation of digital security.

Classical encryption vulnerability

Modern cryptographic standards like RSA use mathematical problems that are “extremely difficult” for traditional computers to solve, such as factorizing large numbers, to offer security. Today, typical computers would take too long to crack their encryption.

Once quantum computers get powerful, this relationship may change. Traditional encryption methods are vulnerable to quantum computers with enough stable qubits to solve these mathematical procedures.

Assessing Timeline

Although serious, the threat is not imminent. Only a few hundred unstable qubits with high error rates are in current quantum computers. A computer needs more reliable and stable qubits to crack RSA.

Threema stated that building a reliable quantum computer would need “significant technological challenges” and take years. Despite this advance time, Threema and IBM Research are preparing for a quantum-secure future.

Collaboration with “Proven Pioneers”

Threema is using novel encryption methods that don't require quick mathematical computations to mitigate these risks. To do this, they partnered with IBM Research, a global research powerhouse.

IBM Research has produced many Nobel and Turing Award winners. Their quantum credentials stand out:

Hardware Innovation: In 2019, IBM released the first commercial circuit-based quantum computer, the Q System One. Standardization: IBM cryptographers developed two of three NIST post-quantum cryptography standards. Threema intends to “consolidate and further expand” its security standards by cooperating with IBM thanks to PQC industry pioneers.

Threema Ecosystem Strengthening

Post-quantum cryptography is Threema's latest step toward “uncompromising security” and “zero-knowledge”. Threema is a popular WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams alternative that focuses on high-security and professional domains.

Data integrity-critical industries where Threema is present:

This is used by the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, Frankfurt am Main, and other healthcare and educational institutions.

Corporate Security: Helping TK Elevator, EDEKA, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Helping companies comply with GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and CER.

By gradually equipping its messenger with PQC, Threema is leading “out-of-band” and business-critical communication.

Looking Ahead

We'll eventually incorporate quantum-secure communication. Threema is confirming its ideals of cutting-edge technology and legal compliance by deploying immediately.