Mynigma

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Mynigma
Logo of the Mynigma App.png
Developer(s) Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Initial releaseSeptember 2014 (2014-09) [1]
Written in Objective-C (iOS, macOS), Java (Android), C# (Outlook)
Operating system iOS, macOS, Android
Available inEnglish, German, French
Type Encrypted email
License GPL v3 open-source software [2]
Website Mynigma's website

Mynigma (also known as M) is an email client with built-in encryption. It is free for personal use.

Contents

The Name “Mynigma” derives from the ancient Greek „Ainigma“ (αἴνιγμα, „Riddle“).

Functionality

Mynigma's core feature is an encryption mechanism that activates automatically when both parties use the client.

With its focus on usability and automation, Mynigma aims to make encryption available specifically to non-technical users. [3]

Platforms

A proof-of-concept app is currently available for Mac and iOS. The most recent version, as well as an Outlook plug-in, are in closed beta. Programs for other platforms like Android are also being developed.

Awards

In 2015, Mynigma received the CeBIT Innovation Award for its unique approach to combining security with usability. [4] The company also finished runner-up in the Gründerpreis der Berliner Sparkasse competition. [5]

Name changes

Due to possible confusion with the meanwhile ceased instant messenger MyEnigma, [6] the program was renamed M in March 2015. Following the announcement of Facebook M in August 2015, the name was changed back to Mynigma.

Privacy

The personal-use version of the program is peer-to-peer. As it does not connect to a central server, it collects no user or usage data. [7]

Security

Mynigma uses end-to-end encryption. The keys required for decryption are stored only on the users' devices.

The encryption format is public and the program's source code is available under a GPL licence.

It uses the algorithms RSA (4096 bit, OAEP padding), AES-128 (CBC with random IV) and SHA-512. Its crypto container is provably CCA secure and protects subject lines as well as message body and attachments. [8]

Man-the-middle prevention

Like any trust-on-first-use system, Mynigma may be subject to a man-in-the-middle attack. This can be prevented by comparing a fingerprint (e.g. over the phone) or scanning a QR code.

Press coverage

Mynigma has been featured in various national newspapers, including Tagesspiegel, [9] FAZ [10] and Die Welt. [11] It appears in the sixth issue of The Hundert magazine. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ Elsaesser, Sabine (6 September 2014). "Mynigma. Sichere E-Mails auf dem iPhone" (in German). unitednetworker.com. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  2. ↑ Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt). "License". Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt). Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  3. ↑ Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt). "Frequently asked questions - M". mynigma.org.
  4. ↑ familie redlich - Agentur für Marken und Kommunikation GmbH. "Preisträger 2015: CeBIT Innovation Award". cebitaward.de. Archived from the original on 2015-10-22. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  5. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-01-11. Retrieved 2015-09-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ↑ "Home: myEnigma - Secure mobile messaging to protect your privacy". My Enigma.
  7. ↑ Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt). "Privacy policy". mynigma.org.
  8. ↑ "Mynigma/M". GitHub.
  9. ↑ "BERLIN, aber oho: Mynigma - Wirtschaft - Tagesspiegel". tagesspiegel.de.
  10. ↑ Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH. "FAZ-Archiv: Suche". faz.net.
  11. ↑ Dietz, Charlotte (14 October 2014). "Deutsche Start-ups profitieren von Snowden". DIE WELT.
  12. ↑ "Mynigma - IT Security Emails Berlin Startup - the Hundert - Berlin Startups reaching for the Star". the Hundert - Berlin Startups reaching for the Stars.
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