CYCASC.net

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Matrix

Image by KDE

Wake up... the Matrix has you...

WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption. So it must be a secure way of communicating, right? Incorrect. The key used for encryption may be generated by the operators themselves and not by your device (or the app may send your private key to WhatsApp). This allows full visibility into your messages, pictures and whatever else you send. In addition, companies and governments are implementing various methods in messengers that can be used to store and spy on messages - often under the pretext of combating terrorism and/or child pornography. Both have to be counteracted, but this approach goes too far and essentially puts everyone under general suspicion.

You have nothing to hide? Think again! You wouldn't share your chats and photo galleries with everyone. So why do you think it's a good idea to share them with governments or large companies? If this is our default definition of messaging, it will ultimately lead to a system of total surveillance. BUT...

There are solutions!

Matrix is an open network for secure, end-to-end encrypted, decentralized communication. It's great for chatting with friends (including group chats), file exchange and rooms to discuss specific topics.

Below I explain some basics but you can find out exactly how it works on the Matrix webpage.

Matrix is an open network for secure, end-to-end encrypted, decentralized communication. It's great for chatting with friends (including group chats), file exchange and rooms to discuss specific topics. You can find out exactly how it works on the Matrix webpage.

Chose a Matrix client

For joining Matrix you need to install a Matrix client. The most popular one is probably Element but there are also many others.

Chose a Matrix server ("homeserver")

In your Matrix client of choice, you must create an account on a Matrix homeserver. There are also plenty servers to choose from (thats the whole point of having a decentralised communication plattform). You can use my homeserver or check out this list of public homeservers - you are free to use any one you like.

My Matrix homeserver is free to use and 24/7 online (I always strive for 100% availability).

How to use the Cycasc homeserver?

Start chatting!

You can contact me via my Matrix ID @dunkelklinge1:matrix.cycasc.net.
Let me know if you are using my homeserver!

Use a custom notification service (for advanced users)

I also have a UnifiedPush gateway with ntfy so you are not dependent on Firebase Cloud Messaging (Google) for push notifications: https://ntfy.cycasc.net

Using the Cycasc Matrix homeserver

If you want to use my homeserver, than enter matrix.cycasc.net as the homeserver address in the Matrix client of your choice (typing it in a browser will just open the web version of the Element client).

Note: Your account is tied to the homeserver you created it on and your full account name will include the homeserver name of your choice. For example, if you are going to create your account on my own homeserver, your Matrix user name will be @yournickname:matrix.cycasc.net and other people (including those from most other homeservers) will be able to contact you by this name.

It's possible to have multiple accounts on different homeservers.