Is Signal Safe for My Desktop?
Is Signal Safe for Your Desktop in 2025? A Look at Threats, Platforms, and Practical Advice
By Ron Gula, Gula Tech Adventures
In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, security-conscious users often turn to Signal for its end-to-end encrypted messaging. But in 2025, the question isn’t whether Signal is secure—it’s whether your desktop operating system is secure enough to run it.
Back in 2022, we published a video suggesting that Signal should only be run on mobile operating systems like iOS or Chrome OS. The reasoning? These platforms have tighter security models, fewer attack surfaces, and more sandboxed application behavior. But fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. Mobile platforms are being increasingly targeted, desktop OSs have matured, and state-sponsored attackers are evolving fast.
In this updated video, I revisit the question with hard data, fresh insights, and a dose of animated commentary (including from Batman and the Predator, naturally). Here's what we found—and what it means for your security strategy.
Why This Matters
Recent reports from Google’s Threat Analysis Group suggest that Russian-aligned threat actors are actively targeting Signal users. Whether you’re sharing top-secret memos or just family dinner plans, it’s a reminder that even “secure” apps are only as strong as the platforms they run on.
A senior mobile security expert recently asked me, “Why are you running Signal on a full desktop OS? Shouldn’t you just use your phone to reduce your attack surface?” Fair question. Let’s dive in.
Vulnerability Trends: Mobile vs. Desktop
We pulled publicly available data from 2024 and early 2025 to compare security vulnerabilities across major operating systems:
Windows:
~300–500 CVEs per version (Windows 10, 11, Server)
319 vulnerabilities listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list
Many vulnerabilities tied to Office products, which aren’t as prevalent on mobile
Apple (iOS and macOS):
72 iOS vulnerabilities vs. 62 for macOS on the KEV
A fairly even split between mobile and desktop risks
Google (Chrome OS and Android):
Android vulnerabilities remain low (~a dozen on the KEV)
But Chrome and Chromium-based exploits are numerous (~70+)
Chrome OS is still one of the leaner, more hardened environments—yet still runs Chrome
So, does any one OS clearly win? Not really. Windows has the most actively exploited vulnerabilities, but it also has the largest install base. More users = more interest from attackers. That doesn’t mean it’s the most insecure—it means it’s the most targeted.
Signal vs. the Operating System
Signal does its job well: encrypting messages end-to-end, verifying recipients, and avoiding metadata leakage. But Signal relies on the security of the device it runs on. If malware compromises your OS, all bets are off.
This is especially true on desktops, which:
Run more complex apps and services
Often grant apps deeper system access
May lack mobile-style sandboxing
Tend to store more sensitive files
The KEV data suggests that mobile and desktop platforms are now closer in risk than they were just a few years ago. But Windows still sees 4–5x the exploited vulnerabilities of Apple and Google’s platforms.
It’s Not Just About Signal
Ask yourself: if you’re worried about Signal, what about:
Slack?
Zoom?
Dropbox?
Google Drive?
These are all internet-facing apps that often live on the same device. Once an attacker compromises the endpoint, secure communications can be monitored, manipulated, or exfiltrated.
So… Is Signal Safe on Windows?
If you must run Signal on Windows, make sure your system is hardened. Here are a few technologies from Gula Tech Adventures’ portfolio to help:
Automox – Patch management to stay ahead of KEV vulnerabilities
Huntress – Detect and respond to APTs and persistent threats
Trinity Cyber – Counter zero-days and malware in transit
Halcyon – Ransomware prevention tailored for enterprises
The short answer: Signal can be safe on Windows, but only if you add the right layers of defense.
Better Yet: Disconnect Critical Comms from the Internet
The ultimate security strategy? Segmentation. Do what the Department of Defense does:
Keep your sensitive conversations off general-purpose internet-connected systems
Use dedicated devices for confidential communications
Employ zero-trust networks, private enclaves, and air-gapped systems when necessary
That’s not paranoia—that’s good architecture. As we said in our House of Enclaves video, this is more about culture and intent than technology. You have to decide to keep things separate, and commit to it.
Practical Advice for 2025
For Individuals:
Run Signal on mobile if possible (especially iOS or a locked-down Android)
Avoid linking Signal to your desktop unless you trust the OS and it's fully patched
Separate work and personal communication devices
Assume all your internet-connected apps could be compromised one day
For Organizations:
Don't rely on consumer-grade messaging for internal decision-making
Consider purpose-built enclave solutions for internal collaboration
Limit lateral movement and app sprawl on endpoints
Support physical separation of internet and business-critical systems
Signal’s Future: Outside the Enclave
At Gula Tech Adventures, we see Signal becoming a valuable part of your external communications stack, alongside apps like Slack, Zoom, and email. For internal, high-trust communications, consider:
Cryptographically isolated networks
Authenticated-only communication platforms
Platforms that don’t touch the internet at all
This model may feel extreme—but with state-sponsored APTs, AI-assisted hacking, and supply chain attacks on the rise, it's increasingly the norm for companies that value privacy and resilience.
Final Thoughts
So, is Signal safe for your desktop in 2025? Technically, yes—with precautions. Practically? If the data is sensitive and your security posture is anything less than ironclad, it’s safer to run Signal on a well-secured mobile device.
And remember, the app may be secure—but your operating system, browser plugins, clipboard, and network stack are the real risks.
Interested in building the next-gen solution for secure communication or enclaves? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at investor@gula.tech or reach out to me directly on LinkedIn or X.
Thanks for reading—and stay safe out there.