Open Whisper is the technology behind Signal and now licensed for many messaging services including WhatsApp and, in some cases by Skype. Our entire security overview is available here.” “Viber’s security protocol was based on the “double ratchet” protocol found in Open Whisper Systems Signal application, with our own proprietary implementation and additions. Viber security seems OK, this is their summary: That’s different to WhatsApp and Signal which route everything through the smartphone. We’re reliably informed that once setup, the Windows and Mac apps will work independantly, even if the ‘original’ smartphone/iPad isn’t available. There are Windows and Mac apps which need a smartphone or iPad connection for setup and account verification. Viber works directly on iPhone and Android smartphones, as you’d expect.

The desktop install talks about linking to a smartphone but we can confirm that Viber on an iPad can also link to their desktop software. The iPad app can link to Windows or Mac Viber software. There’s an ‘Activate by phone’ option so presumably a landline number could be used. You’ll still need a phone to receive a confirmation code by text message. The Viber app for iPad lets you create an account. One BIG difference is that Viber works directly on an iPad. Online call services ranked iPad supported by Viber! In the current situation it’s a service you might want to setup and test, just in case someone. For whatever reason, Viber seems to be more popular outside the USA, UK and Western Europe. We’ve seen Viber commonly used in South America and Eastern Europe. Screen sharing and file transfers are also possible.

Viber is a messaging, voice/video calling service similar to WhatsApp and Signal. If someone asks you to Viber with them, here’s how to get ready for Viber and some settings you might like to change from defaults.

View viber messages online