Is Google Chat safe and private?

What is Google Chat?

Google Chat is a free communication platform developed by Google which has officially replaced Google Hangouts. It integrates with Google services in Google Workspace, such as Gmail and Google Docs, making messaging and file transfers in chats much easier. It’s accessible in most browsers and offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Is Google Chat safe to use?

Yes, Google Chat is relatively safe to use. Google has implemented several security measures to help protect users from cyber threats. However, some security features mentioned are part of Google Workspace as a whole and may not be exclusive to Google Chat:

• Transport Layer Security. Any data you send, such as photos, video chats, or voice calls, is stored securely in Google’s data centers. Google Chat data is also encrypted both in transit and at rest on Google servers, protecting it from unauthorized access.
• Two-step verification. Using Google’s two-step verification can add an extra layer of security to your Google account in case your password is stolen. Enabling it requires a secondary verification in addition to your password, such as a code sent to your cell phone via SMS.
• Block and report users. If you receive any messages containing suspicious web addresses, you can block that user and report them. This step will protect you from a potential phishing attack and help Google improve its cybersecurity.
• Spam and phishing detection. Google Chat uses built-in security to protect users from over 99.9% of spam and malicious content like phishing messages and malware.

Is Google Chat private?

Yes, Google Chat is generally private. According to Google Chat Help, the content you share in Chat is private to you and whoever you choose to chat with. Google will only access your private content if you give permission or it is required to do so by law.

However, Google Chat does save your chat history by default. You can disable this function in the settings, but Google will still have access to your private conversations. Google Chat may not be a good idea for you if you want your messages to be erased immediately after viewing.

Limitations of Google Chat

While Google Chat offers many security measures and other cybersecurity tools, it still has some limitations:

• Lack of end-to-end encryption. As mentioned, Google Chat encrypts your Google chats and other sensitive information both during transit and at rest. It does not, however, offer end-to-end encryption. So if a hacker acquires access to Google’s servers, they would be able to read your messages. Whereas with end-to-end encryption, Google and third parties wouldn’t have access to your data. 
• Google account takeovers. It’s helpful for companies and individuals to have Google services like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and several more Google Workspace apps in one place. But this means that if a hacker gains access to your Google account credentials, they will be able to access all these other apps as well. A Google account takeover like this can have dire consequences, such as financial loss, reputational damage, and legal issues.
• Phishing attacks. Any digital platform can serve as a venue for phishing scams. In such a scam, a hacker pretending to be a representative of a legitimate company sends a malicious link to a potential victim. They use phishing techniques to get the victim to click on the link and provide sensitive information, which the hacker can then use for their financial or other gain.
• Scams. As with phishing attacks, no digital platforms are completely immune to scam messages. Scammers typically don’t find victims directly in Google Chat but instead approach them on other platforms like dating sites, social media, or email, then persuade them to move the conversation to Google Chat. They do this to maintain anonymity, avoid security measures on other platforms, and appear more legitimate.

Google Chat security best practices 

While it may seem that Google Chat has quite a few drawbacks, you can run into a lot of the above risks with even the most secure messaging apps. You can use Google Chat relatively safely — just don’t forget about various methods and tools to protect your privacy:

• Update your software. Software updates often include patches for cybersecurity vulnerabilities. So you should make sure to regularly update your Google Chat app and the device you installed it on.
• Create a strong password. Cybercriminals might get ahold of your Google password in various ways, but you shouldn’t make it easy for them to hack into your account by using weak passwords like “password” or “1234.” Capital letters, numbers, and symbols will help to strengthen your password. You can also use a phrase instead of a single word. And remember to use a unique password for each of your online accounts.
• Be on the lookout for sketchy messages. Be careful when a message has an urgent tone, trying to get you to take action right away. Even if you think a message is from someone you know, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Be particularly wary of suspicious links and definitely don’t click on them.
• Use a VPN. A VPN is a cybersecurity tool that encrypts your online traffic. You can use a VPN to change your virtual location. That way, you will be able to conceal your location and protect your online traffic.
• Use NordVPN’s link checker. If you come across a suspicious link in an email, you can copy and paste it into NordVPN’s link checker to see whether or not the link is legitimate. This URL checker tool will block phishing attacks and malicious websites that could install malware on your computer.