Text messages that self destruct!
(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
StealthText provide a service that allows you to send a text message that can only be read once. The message ’self-destructs’ and cannot be read again!
The technique works by sending the recipient a link that allows them to download the message over WAP. Once the message has been viewed, if the user follows the link again, they will get an ‘expired or non-existent page’ message. So strictly speaking, this is not a self-destructing text message. This is a message that contains a webpage link to a message that can only be read once.
It’s a nice concept, but at a cost of £5 for 12 messages, and the fact it requires the recipient to receive the message over WAP, it adds a lot of hassle to a very basic idea.
A better solution is encrypting the message and then sending the message to your intended recipient. Kryptext provides low-cost software solution that will encrypt a message before it is stored on the phone, and sends the encrypted message to your recipient. The recipient needs the software to decrypt the message however.
Given that the encryption software runs on the phone, there’s no change of phone usage, so no need to use WAP or the internet, etc. It uses simple SMS to send the message itself, and the software is only around £8 per phone. This is a one-off cost, regardless of how many times you send a message. The software works on a number of modern phones, including the following:
Nokia 3600, Nokia 3620, Nokia 3650. Nokia 3660, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 7610, Nokia 7650, Samsung SGH-D700, Siemens SX1, Panasonic X700, Sendo X, Sony Ericsson P800/P802, Sony Ericsson P900/P908, BenQ P30
So self-destructing messages, or encrypted messages? I think the latter is best in this case.
Links: StealthText, Kryptext
August 31st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Doesn’t sound very smart.
If someone snoops the network and reads your link, the intended receiver won’t be able to read it himself.
Agree that encryption sounds better.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Yeah, there are many issues with the self-destruct message. Particularly if the company who provides the service was comprimised, where all of the messages could be read by an attacker.
However, encrypting your message on the phone before it is sent is far more secure
Dan
February 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hello Dan,
Do you know any encrypting sounds or message software for Nokia Symbian System Phone(ex.N73) and valid effects?
I know Gold Lock is not valid for my country.
Thank you,
David