Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing GPG encrypted text file vs Element (formerly Riot), the Slant community recommends Element (formerly Riot) for most people. In the question“What are the best ways to send secure, encrypted messages?” Element (formerly Riot) is ranked 2nd while GPG encrypted text file is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Element (formerly Riot) is:
You're not confined within Element's or even Matrix garden, and you don't have to make users of other networks switch to Matrix.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Can be easily integrated with other command-line tools
For example, I can run GITHUB_TOKEN=$(gpg -d GITHUB_TOKEN.gpg) some_tool
Pro Outstanding compatibility
GPG is standard on most operating systems, and is compatible with "too many to list". A GPG API is currently being developed for further integration.
Pro Free to use and modify
GPG does not use patented algorithms, so this service is free to use and modify without restrictions.
Pro Can be used with any system that understands text files
Text files are ubiquitous. They can be read across any modern platform and many obsolete one's.
Pro No dependencies
GnuPG does not depend on a reading program in order to be functional.
Pro Offers an installation package for Windows and OS X
"Gpg4win" is the installation package for Windows, and "GPGTools" is the package for Mac. The purpose of these packages is to equip users with everything needed in order to effectively keep information private.
Pro Uses symmetric key encryption to ensure that emails are secure
Symmetric key encryption not only protects emails from unauthorized access, but it ensures that the sender and receiver are legitimate.
Pro Bridges to other networks
You're not confined within Element's or even Matrix garden, and you don't have to make users of other networks switch to Matrix.
Pro Markdown support
Code snippets in chats can be highlighted with Markdown.
Pro Simple interface
Element has a very simple interface, adding the ability for more inexperienced users to use it.
Pro VOIP and Videoconferencing
Pro Supports encryption
Element allows for fully encrypted text, voice, and video chatting.
Pro Widgets support
Want to watch that flick at YouTube and discuss it at the same time? Have Grafana graphs stacked above your DevOps team chat? Collaboratively edit Google Docs and chat over without switching applications? This is possible with Element.
Pro Decentralized
An open network for secure, decentralized communication.
Pro Self-hosting and federated network
Pro Libre/open source
Pro Search
Search messages in your current room, or all the rooms you're in. Not subject to a message history limit like Slack.
Pro Cross platform
Web browser
Linux
OS X
Windows
Android
iOS
Pro Large existing community
With public rooms for many people, and you can create your own and let people from the community join.
Pro Etherpad real-time document collaboration
An easy to activate integration that allows multiple authors to edit a document simultaneously.
Pro File Sharing
Pro Supports text, voice, video
Cons
Con Requires knowledge of the command line
GnuPG requires technical knowledge, but their FAQ is incredibly helpful for people who want to get started.
