Signal Enhances Backup Features with Local Encryption Support

• •Signal's version 8.30 introduces encrypted local backups for iOS and desktop.
• •Users can create backups with no size restrictions and restore them across devices.
• •Threat actors are targeting the recovery key, emphasizing the need for secure storage.

Signal has introduced encrypted local backups for iOS and desktop in version 8.30, completing its backup rollout across all supported platforms. Users can now create end-to-end encrypted backups of their chats and restore them on various devices. The backup system offers two options: hosted backups limited to 45 days of media and 128 KB per message for free users, and local backups with no size restrictions. Both backup types require a recovery key for decryption, but hosted backups include an additional daily-rotating key for enhanced security. Signal warns that threat actors have already targeted the recovery key, highlighting its importance. The update also improves media storage efficiency and allows for direct transfers between iPhones. The rollout marks the completion of Signal's first phase of backup features, with future focus on other system improvements.