Category: Messenger

Categories
Blog Android Messenger OpenSource Security Server

2025-08-17: Molly – Your Privacy-Focused Alternative to Signal

As an IT consultant, I see every day how important secure and private messaging is. Signal does a great job and is rightly considered one of the most secure messengers ✅ – but Molly puts even more emphasis on privacy and control.

What’s especially interesting: On GrapheneOS, Molly is available by default, as it is recommended there as a trusted messenger. But you can also use Molly on any other Android system by simply installing the APK manually.

Why Molly?

Molly is based on the Signal protocol but adds additional security features such as encryption at rest (encrypting locally stored data).

Other advantages include:

  • Open-Source – transparent and verifiable.
  • More control – option to use your own push infrastructure.
  • Optimized for privacy – especially in combination with GrapheneOS.

For a deeper look at GrapheneOS, check this out:
GrapheneOS – More Security, Less Google: How to Make Your Smartphone Truly Private

Download the Latest Version

The latest release is v7.49.1-1.
Please note:

  • The APK is only for Android devices.
  • It must be installed manually ⚙️, since it is not available in the Play Store.

✅ Download Molly APK v7.49.1-1 ⬇️

Setup with My Molly-Socket Server

To make Molly even more privacy-friendly, you can connect it to my own Molly-Socket server:

https://molly.it-service-commander.de

Here’s how:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Go to Settings → Notifications → Push Notifications.
  3. Select “Unified Push” ? as the push service.
  4. Scan the QR code from my website.

This way, your push notifications don’t run through third-party servers but through your own infrastructure ?️ – a clear advantage for privacy.

Conclusion

Signal is already excellent ✅ – but Molly is the even more privacy-focused choice. On GrapheneOS, Molly comes preinstalled, and on any other Android system it can easily be installed manually.

I personally use Molly every day – not just as a messenger, but as part of a holistic privacy strategy.

Categories
Blog Android Anonymity Blackout Messenger Security

2025-08-02: BitChat – Emergency Communication in a Blackout

In a crisis, every message counts. When mobile networks, the internet, or centralized services go down, you still need a way to stay in touch with people nearby. BitChat, created by Jack Dorsey, was designed exactly for that: an app that works without the internet and sends messages directly from one device to another.

What is BitChat?

BitChat is a messenger that does not require any account, phone number, or Wi-Fi. The app connects via Bluetooth to other devices in the area and passes messages along – like a relay baton being handed from one person to the next. This way, you can communicate even when traditional networks fail.

Why this app is so useful in emergencies ?
  • Works without infrastructure: Even if the mobile network goes down, you can send encrypted messages to people within range. This can be a lifesaver during natural disasters, power outages, or in restricted areas.
  • Quick to start: No registration, no passwords. Open the app, choose a display name, and start messaging – ideal when every second matters. ⏱️✅
  • Private & secure: Messages are encrypted, there’s no central data storage, and you don’t need to share personal information. You stay anonymous and protected.
  • Emergency wipe: With a quick action, you can instantly remove all local chat data – useful if you need to erase traces quickly.
  • Extended reach through relaying: Even if two people are not directly connected, messages “hop” through other users. This increases the effective range without the internet.
Things to keep in mind ⚠️
  • Dependent on other users: For messages to be forwarded, there need to be other people nearby with the BitChat app running. In very remote areas, this can be less reliable.
  • Limited single-hop range: Bluetooth has a physical range limit; multiple hops make up for that, but movement and low user density can affect connectivity.
  • Beta / Availability: The app is still new – especially on Apple devices – and some versions may still be in an early stage.
Where to get BitChat
  • For iOS / Apple devices: Download BitChat Mesh directly from the App Store. It works with iPhone (iOS 16+), iPad, Mac (M1+), and even Apple Vision Pro.
  • For Android: The Android version is available on GitHub. You can find the latest installation file (APK) here:
    https://github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android/releases
Conclusion

BitChat is not a replacement for your regular communication channels, but it is a valuable and robust backup tool for emergency situations. Its offline capabilities, ease of use, privacy features, and quick data-wipe option make it a tool you can rely on when normal networks fail.

Recommended steps for your emergency setup:

  • Install and test BitChat ✔️
  • Keep Bluetooth enabled ✔️
  • Set a display name ✔️
  • Try out the emergency data wipe ✔️
  • Brief your colleagues or team ✔️

More information here:
https://bitchat.free/

Categories
Blog Anonymity Messenger Security Server

2025-06-15: Use WhatsApp securely with a Proxy

In an age where data privacy is increasingly important, it’s essential to be aware of your digital footprint. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, operated by Meta (formerly Facebook), collect a wide range of metadata — even though message content is end-to-end encrypted.

Fortunately, there’s a solution for anyone who wants to continue using WhatsApp without exposing their connection details: my free WhatsApp Proxy Service!

What Does My WhatsApp Proxy Do?

My WhatsApp proxy service acts as an intermediary between your device and WhatsApp’s servers. Instead of connecting directly to Meta’s servers, your data traffic is routed through my proxy. This means:

  • ✉️ Hidden IP Address: WhatsApp (i.e., Meta) no longer sees your real IP address, preventing them from determining your location or internet provider.
  • ✔️ No Geo-Tracking: The detour via proxy makes it nearly impossible to track your location.
  • ✔️ Encrypted Communication: All data is transmitted using SSL encryption.
  • ⛔️ Minimal Metadata: Information about your device, region, or connection time is significantly reduced.
  • ✔️ Free and Anonymous: The service is completely free and requires no registration.
How to Set Up the WhatsApp Proxy
  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner (⋮).
  2. Navigate to Settings > Storage and Data > Proxy.
  3. Enable Use Proxy.
  4. Tap on Set up Proxy and enter the following details:
    • Proxy Host: whatsapp.it-service-commander.de or alternatively 128.140.60.104
    • Chat Port: 7001
    • Media Port: 7007
  5. Confirm by tapping the check mark ✅.
  6. It should now display “Connected”.

And that’s it — you’re securely connected via my proxy! ?

Why Using a WhatsApp Proxy Makes Sense ❓

Meta makes its money through ads and analytics — not just by what you write, but by tracking when, where, how, and with whom you communicate. Even without accessing your message content, Meta knows when you’re online, who you’re chatting with, and from where.

Conclusion ✅

My WhatsApp Proxy Service offers a simple, effective tool to enhance your digital privacy. No registration, no fees — just real benefits:

⭐ More privacy, less surveillance.

Try it out yourself and feel free to share this information with others who value digital self-determination.

I am an IT specialist focused on networks and server services. I am happy to assist with technical questions or custom requirements. Feel free to get in touch — inquiries are always welcome.

Categories
Blog Messenger OpenSource Security Server

2025-06-11: Replace Microsoft Teams with Matrix & Element

In a time when data protection, digital sovereignty, and cost control are more important than ever, many companies are looking for a real alternative to Microsoft Teams. As an IT service provider, I offer exactly that: a powerful, modern communication solution – based on the Matrix protocol and the open-source Element interface.

? What is Element – and what is Matrix?
  • Element X / Element Web is the front-end interface for messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing – available on laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Matrix Synapse is the backend – it runs on your own server and handles secure, decentralized communication.
?️ Full control over your data – no dependency on Microsoft

With my solution, every company runs its own communication server in a German data center. This ensures that every message, file, and call stays in-house – without being routed through U.S.-based platforms or global cloud infrastructures.

? No data transfer to the USA
? No Microsoft accounts or licenses required
?? Server location: Germany – fully GDPR compliant
✅ 100% independence from U.S. corporations

Everything modern teams need
  • ? One-on-one and group messaging
  • ? Secure file sharing
  • ? Voice and video calls
  • ? Cross-platform usage (laptop, phone, tablet)
  • ?️ Structured rooms for teams and projects
? Trusted by military and governments

Matrix and Element are already in use by various military and public-sector organizations: The U.S. Navy uses Matrix on multiple ships for secure internal communication. The German Bundeswehr operates its own Matrix-based messenger (BwMessenger). Governments in France, Luxembourg, Sweden, and the German healthcare sector also rely on Matrix for secure, sovereign communication.

This is all provided on a secure, open-source foundation – flexible, transparent, and future-ready.

? Clear savings – year after year

Compared to Microsoft Teams, a company with 20 employees can save up to $1000 per year – while keeping full control over all internal communication and data.

?️ My offer to you
  • Setup and operation of your own Matrix instance
  • Deployment of Element Web / Element X as the user interface
  • Ongoing maintenance, security updates, and technical support
  • GDPR-compliant configuration
  • Optional: onboarding and training for your team
✅ Conclusion

With Matrix and Element, you gain a professional, secure, and cost-effective communication platform – without Microsoft, without data leakage, and without vendor lock-in.

? I’m happy to provide a custom quote tailored to your company size and needs.
Independent. Secure. Future-proof. – Your new communication solution.

Categories
Blog Anonymity Bitcoin Future Messenger OpenSource Security

2025-05-26: Open Source Software: Digital Freedom

Open source software is no longer a niche topic – it forms the backbone of our digital world. Many people are unaware of this, but the majority of computers around the globe already rely on open source technologies. In particular, the internet runs heavily on open source: most web servers operate using the Linux operating system, and countless services and applications – from web browsers to content management systems – are built on open source foundations.

? What Does Open Source Mean?

Open source means that a software’s source code is publicly accessible, modifiable, and free to use. This transparency not only fosters trust but also enables global, collaborative development. Control does not rest with a single company or state – it lies with the community. This prevents users from being locked into expensive subscription models or becoming dependent on individual vendors – a scenario that’s increasingly common with proprietary software.

This issue is strikingly portrayed in the latest season of the series Black Mirror (Season 7, Episode 1): A woman receives a medical chip implant after having a brain tumor removed. The twist? The chip is permanently connected to the provider’s cloud – all data and functionality are processed externally, with nothing stored locally. Without an active subscription, the chip stops working. The software operates on a tiered licensing model with steadily rising costs. Eventually, the woman’s family can no longer afford the increasingly expensive subscription levels – leading to catastrophic consequences.

This dystopian scenario highlights how dangerous it can be when essential technologies are fully controlled by a central provider. It creates a total dependency – both technically and financially. Open source offers a radical alternative: transparent, decentralized, user-controlled, and free.

? Freedom Through Technology

Open source is an expression of digital self-determination. Those who use free software decide for themselves what runs on their devices, what data is shared, and which functions are enabled. This independence is more than just a technical detail – it’s a political statement in an age of digital surveillance, data exploitation, and monopolization.

A particularly powerful example of open source as a vehicle for independence is Bitcoin. Here too, the entire source code is publicly available, every transaction is verifiable, and the system itself is not centrally controlled. The idea of freedom, transparency, and decentralization is central – and would not be possible without open source.

? Security Through Encryption

In an age of widespread digital surveillance, protecting private communication is essential. Open source plays a crucial role here: only with publicly accessible source code can users verify whether a tool is truly secure. Encryption tools such as PGP for email or decentralized messengers like Matrix (with clients like Element) are vital for maintaining privacy and shielding digital conversations from prying eyes.

? A Call to Support Open Source

The benefits of open source are overwhelming: transparency, security, independence, and innovation. But none of this happens automatically. The development and maintenance of free software is often done voluntarily or underfunded. That’s why it’s essential that we not only use open source but actively support it – by contributing to development, reporting bugs, or donating to projects that benefit us all.

Here is a short list of the most famous open source programs:

1. LibreOffice
Free and powerful office suite – alternative to Microsoft Office
? https://www.libreoffice.org/

2. GIMP
Free image editor – comparable to Adobe Photoshop
? https://www.gimp.org/

3. Mozilla Firefox
Secure and fast open-source web browser
? https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/

4. Thunderbird
Email client with calendar and chat support
? https://www.thunderbird.net/

5. VLC Media Player
Versatile media player that supports nearly all formats
? https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

6. Audacity
Audio recording and editing software
? https://www.audacityteam.org/

7. Krita
Professional painting and illustration tool for artists
? https://krita.org/

8. Inkscape
Vector graphics editor – similar to Adobe Illustrator
? https://inkscape.org/

9. KeePassXC
Secure and cross-platform password manager
? https://keepassxc.org/

10. Shotcut
Free, open-source video editor with wide format support
? https://shotcut.org/

✅ Conclusion

In the digital age, open source is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. There is hardly a more powerful tool for freedom, self-determination, and privacy protection. Those who want a free society must also support free software. It’s up to all of us to promote open source – for a digital world that liberates, not controls.

Categories
Blog Messenger Server

2025-05-20: Matrix + Video Calls – Exploring ElementCall & ElementX

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been diving into ElementCall and ElementX – two exciting projects in the Matrix ecosystem that push decentralized communication even further.

? ElementCall enables secure, peer-to-peer video calls using the Matrix protocol – built on top of LiveKit.
? ElementX is a next-generation Matrix client – fast, lightweight, and built with modern architecture.

? New Tutorial Available!
I’ve written a step-by-step tutorial on how to integrate ElementCall (with LiveKit and JWT authentication) as an addon to an existing Matrix Synapse installation running in Docker.

? This makes it easy to upgrade your Matrix setup with full-featured video calling – fully self-hosted and privacy-respecting.

? Check out the tutorial here:
? https://it-service-commander.de/en/tutorials-2/docker/elementcall-as-add-on-for-matrix-synapse-docker/

Feel free to reach out if you’re experimenting with Matrix or looking to add video calling to your infrastructure!

#Matrix #ElementCall #ElementX #SelfHosting #VideoCalling #Synapse #LiveKit

Categories
Blog Messenger

2025-03-29: Matrix Synapse and Element X

Secure corporate communication with open source technology

Matrix Synapse is a powerful open source server for the Matrix protocol that enables secure, decentralized and scalable real-time communication. Companies that value data protection, data sovereignty and interoperability can use it to create a powerful alternative to proprietary solutions such as Microsoft Teams, Slack or WhatsApp.

A major advantage of Matrix Synapse is that it can be used completely free of charge. As it is open source software, there are no license fees. Companies can operate the server on their own infrastructure or host it in the cloud without being tied to a specific provider.

In combination with Element X, a modern, fast and user-friendly matrix client, companies receive a secure messaging platform that can be used for both internal communication and for exchanges with external partners. Thanks to end-to-end encryption, all messages and calls are optimally protected. In addition, rooms and group chats can be managed flexibly so that different teams can work together efficiently.

My services as an IT service provider

As an IT service provider, I support companies in the planning, implementation and maintenance of their Matrix and Element-X infrastructure. My services include

  • Consulting and design: Analysis of requirements and creation of a customized solution
  • Installation and configuration: Setting up Matrix Synapse on dedicated servers or in the cloud
  • Support: Introduction to the use of Element X and ongoing technical support
  • Security and maintenance: Regular updates, monitoring and protection against security risks

With my support, companies can make a smooth transition to a data protection-friendly communication platform that gives them maximum control over their own data.

https://github.com/element-hq/synapse