GoKawiilSignal rolls out encrypted local backups to iOS and desktop in version 8.30
Signal has released version 8.30, extending its end-to-end encrypted backup feature to iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux after debuting on Android nearly a year ago. Users can choose Signal-hosted backups, capped at 45 days of media for free accounts, or unlimited on-device local backups, both requiring a recovery key to decrypt. The update also unifies Android's backup format with other platforms, separates media storage from backup archives to avoid duplication, and lets paying users purge old media locally while retrieving it from hosted backups.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Cross-platform encrypted backups address a long-standing gap for Signal users who previously risked losing chat history when switching devices, potentially making the app more viable for mainstream, multi-device use. The report notes threat actors have already begun targeting the recovery key needed to decrypt backups, suggesting attackers see it as a high-value target that could undermine the security benefits if mismanaged by users. The feature's design, including rotating supplemental keys in a Trusted Execution Environment for hosted backups, indicates Signal is trying to balance convenience with forward secrecy.
- Signal 8.30 completes encrypted backup rollout across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Users can choose limited hosted backups or unlimited on-device local backups, both requiring a recovery key.
- Threat actors have reportedly begun targeting the recovery key as a new attack vector.
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See SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: bleepingcomputer.com, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “Signal adds encypted local backup support to iOS, desktop apps”
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