Launched in 2012, Threema is a well-established messaging app used across multiple platforms and trusted by organizations like the Swiss Government and the Swiss Army.
However, in early October 2022, researchers from ETH Zurich found vulnerabilities in Threema’s cryptographic protocols. These flaws allow attackers to break authentication and recover private keys.
The attacks could impersonate users, manipulate message order, and clone user accounts. Although Threema quickly patched these issues and updated Ibex protocols in 2022, these findings highlight potential risks, particularly for high-security environments.
Given these concerns, let’s explore some Threema alternatives with robust security, compliance, and scalability for enterprise communication.
Threema alternatives: Key features for secure business messaging apps
Let’s go over some crucial features of a secure business messaging app:
- End-to-end encryption is essential for businesses seeking secure messaging apps.
For example, WhatsApp enhanced its E2EE protocols to protect sensitive business information from cyber threats. In 2022, WhatsApp partnered with Cloudflare to bolster key transparency and encrypted security.
- Compliance with data privacy regulations like HIPAA and GDPR helps protect sensitive information. This helps companies adhere to privacy laws and avoid fines and legal penalties.
- Administrative controls and user management features allow IT teams to monitor, regulate, and assign user access. This minimizes internal security threats and helps enforce company-wide security policies. By controlling who can access specific information, you can reduce the risk of data breaches.
- Reliable uptime and performance prevent operational disruptions leading to expensive downtime. Furthermore, integrating a messaging app with CRM can streamline operations and make communication effective.
- Cross-platform support allows users to communicate securely across various devices, maintaining security and convenience.
Threema alternatives: Top 6 tools for enterprise communication
Here are the top 6 Threema alternatives you can use for enterprise communication:
1. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is an open-source and secure communications platform for governments, defense, and critical infrastructure enterprises. It has over 12 million users, including organizations like British Columbia, the US Navy, Bridge 4 Public Safety, and so on.
1. Key features
As one of the ideal Threema alternatives, Rocket.Chat supports secure team collaboration in highly classified networks like NIPRNet and SIPR. Here are some other key features:
- 180+ advanced role-based permissions
- Digital sovereignty and device management
- Air-gapped collaboration suite for critical communication
- Scalability without compromising security or performance
- Private network development on cloud, on-prem, or air-gapped
- Omnichannel engagement (WhatsApp, Live Chat, SMS, email, and other)
- White labeling and customization flexibility with MIT Open Source License
2. Security and compliance
Rocket.Chat is ISO 27001 certified, SOC 2 compliant, and adheres to other standards. It is trusted by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal bodies.
3. Deployment options
Rocket.Chat provides two deployment options:
- Self-hosting: Choose self-hosting to run Rocket.Chat on your own data center, server, or private cloud. Run the server using deployment methods like Docker for simplicity, Kubernetes for scalability, or Snaps for smaller deployments on major Linux distributions.
- Third-party cloud providers: You can also deploy Rocket.Chat on third-party cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Digital Ocean, ensuring secure communication while leveraging the cloud's scalability and speed.
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a widely used collaboration platform. It has over 300 million users, including organizations like L’OREAL, Bank of Canada, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, and so on.
1. Key features
Microsoft Teams directly integrates with Microsoft 365, providing access to popular apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant.
Here are some other key features of this tool which is considered among key Threema alternatives:
- Customizable workspaces
- Real-time co-authoring and file sharing
- Frontline workforce management and scheduling
- Omnichannel engagement (meetings, chat, conferences, and phone systems)
2. Security and compliance
Microsoft’s commitment to security and compliance spans all its products, including Microsoft Teams, which provides end-to-end encryption for meetings and calls.
With Microsoft Trust Center, you can control and manage the data and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
3. Deployment options
You can deploy Microsoft Teams to fit these setups:
- On-premises
- Cloud
- Hybrid
3. Slack
Folks at IT, SaaS can vouch for Slack as one of the best, easy-to-use communication platform. With over 18 million daily active users, organizations like IBM and Airbnb leverage its capabilities to enhance productivity and streamline communication.
Did you know Slack also offers GovSlack? It’s a highly secure collaboration platform tailored for government work. It is authorized under FedRAMP High and operates within the AWS GovCloud, ensuring that data is managed securely by US personnel.
1. Key features
Slack provides robust search functionality and helps retrieve vital information without scrolling through endless chat threads. Here are some other key features:
- Real-time messaging and file sharing
- Video, voice calls, and screen sharing
- User permissions and security controls
- Customizable channels and notifications
- Integration with numerous third-party apps
2. Security and compliance
Among dependable Threema alternatives, Slack is compliant with multiple certifications and offers enhanced security features like single sign-on, identity and device management, and more.
Slack also offers incident management, governance, and risk-management capabilities to manage your data and comply with evolving regulations.
3. Deployment options
Slack offers three options:
- Cloud
- On-premise
- Hosted
4. Cisco Webex Teams
Cisco Webex Teams is a unified collaboration platform that offers video and web conferencing, along with various productivity tools. With over 100 million users, including organizations like NASA, Siemens, and the University of California, Webex Teams provides a robust environment for team collaboration.
1. Key features
Webex provides a unified workspace where you can collaborate securely in virtual spaces. You can work with internal teams and external partners without switching accounts or losing context.
Here are some other key features:
- Real-time messaging and file sharing
- Native support for external video users
- High-quality video and audio conferencing
- Integrated whiteboards for online meetings
- Maintain data policy for external teamwork
- Task management tools & third-party integrations
- Join meetings from SIP video devices and platforms like Skype
2. Security and compliance
Webex's Control Hub enables secure communication and compliance management by giving businesses full control over their collaboration environment. You can set and enforce security policies, including data loss prevention, file-sharing controls, and device management.
3. Deployment options
Webex Teams provides deployment options for cloud, on-premise, and hybrid models, similar to Microsoft Teams.
5. Mattermost
Mattermost is a secure, open-source communication platform, accelerating critical work in complex environments. It’s suited for defense, government, and critical infrastructure enterprises like the USAF, Spamhaus, and so on.
1. Key features
Mattermost provides a secure workspace where teams can collaborate across multiple channels. Here are some other key features:
- Multi-team collaboration
- Enterprise mobility management
- Custom and ID-only push notifications
- Advanced access controls & automation
- Advanced compliance and administration
- A broad range of integrations and extensions
- Workflow automation and AI platform capabilities
2. Security and compliance
Mattermost uses advanced security and encryption, including TLS with AES-256. You can manage user access, authentication, and session security with centralized administration tools.
Additionally, Mattermost’s Secure Command and Control solution secures mobile communications for technical teams, preventing data leakage from unsecured channels.
3. Deployment options
Mattermost provides a range of deployment options for secure, scalable, and efficient communication.
- Self-hosted
- Platform-specific methods, including Red Hat, Docker, and Ubuntu
- Private cloud and cluster-based deployments for enterprises
6. Brosix
Brosix is a secure instant messaging platform. Firms across industries, including legal and insurance sectors, such as Juridicon Law Firm and Tennessee811 rely on Brosix.
1. Key features
Brosix facilitates collaboration through video conferencing, screen sharing, and secure file transfer. Here are some other key features:
- Integrations
- Real-time communication
- Multiple admin and user control
2. Security and compliance
Brosix complies with security standards and uses secure cloud servers for communication. It allows network admin to track user activity and prevent data loss with regular backups.
3. Deployment options
Brosix provides two deployment options:
- Cloud
- Private team network
Considerations before migrating to Threema alternatives
Before migrating from Threema alternatives, assess your communication needs and security requirements. Start by asking these questions:
- Do you need specific features, integration options, or regulatory compliance?
- Will the new platform support data export and import?
- Does it offer strong data protection and secure team chat capabilities?
Next, consider what steps are necessary to implement user training and manage the change effectively.
Harvard Business Review notes that enterprise employees often resist change, leading to slower adoption rates.
To overcome this, clear communication and tailored training sessions are crucial. Plan the migration in stages or temporarily set up the new platform alongside Threema.
This allows users to familiarize themselves with the platform while maintaining business continuity.
Final Note
Several Threema alternatives exist for businesses seeking secure communication solutions. For example:
- Rocket.chat operates within NIPRNet and SIPR networks, ensuring top-level security for sensitive information.
- Mattermost is ideal for internal teams within critical infrastructure sectors.
- GovSlack is tailored for government agencies and is authorized under FedRAMP High, meeting stringent compliance requirements.
Align the app with your business's specific needs and user experience to avoid disruptions. Additionally, prioritizing security and compliance helps prevent cyber threats and expensive penalties.
As an alternative, consider exploring Rocket. Chat. Its versatility and flexibility allow for enhanced capabilities tailored to your organization’s requirements.
Reach out to our team to learn more.
Frequently asked questions about <anything>
- Digital sovereignty
- Federation capabilities
- Scalable and white-labeled
- Highly scalable and secure
- Full patient conversation history
- HIPAA-ready
- Secure data governance and digital sovereignty
- Trusted by State, Local, and Federal agencies across the world
- Matrix federation capabilities for cross-agency communication
- Open source code
- Highly secure and scalable
- Unmatched flexibility
- End-to-end encryption
- Cloud or on-prem deployment
- Supports compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA, and more
- Supports compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA, and more
- Highly secure and flexible
- On-prem or cloud deployment