Paper 2021/498 Original: eprint.iacr.org/2021/498 ↗
SoK: Multi-Device Secure Instant Messaging
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.
- History
- 2021-04-19: last updated
- 2021-04-19: published
- Short URL
- https://ia.cr/2021/498
- License
- https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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}
}