Signal Protocol
The Signal Protocol is an end-to-end encryption protocol designed for secure messaging, providing forward secrecy and post-compromise security. It ensures that only the communicating users can read the messages, not even the service providers. Originally developed for the Signal app, it has been widely adopted by other platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Messages.
Developers should learn the Signal Protocol when building secure communication applications that require strong privacy guarantees, such as messaging apps, video calls, or file-sharing services. It is essential for implementing end-to-end encryption in scenarios where user data must be protected from eavesdropping, including in healthcare, finance, or activist tools, due to its robust cryptographic properties and open-source nature.