Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Mynigma

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Operating system
  
iOS, macOS, Android

Type
  
Encrypted email

Developer(s)
  
Mynigma UG (haftungsbeschränkt)

Initial release
  
September 2014 (2014-09)

Written in
  
Objective-C (iOS, macOS), Java (Android), C# (Outlook)

Available in
  
English, German, French

Mynigma (also known as M) is an email client with built-in encryption. It is free for personal use.

Contents

The Name “Mynigma” derives from the ancient Greek „Ainigma“ (αἴνιγμα, „Riddle“).

Functionality

Mynigma's core feature is an encryption mechanism that activates automatically when both parties use the client.

With its focus on usability and automation, Mynigma aims to make encryption available specifically to non-technical users.

Platforms

A proof-of-concept app is currently available for Mac and iOS. The most recent version, as well as an Outlook plug-in, are in closed beta. Programs for other platforms like Android are also being developed.

Awards

In 2015, Mynigma received the CeBIT Innovation Award for its unique approach to combining security with usability. The company also finished runner-up in the Gründerpreis der Berliner Sparkasse competition.

Name changes

Due to possible confusion with the meanwhile ceased instant messenger MyEnigma, the program was renamed M in March 2015. Following the announcement of Facebook M in August 2015, the name was changed back to Mynigma.

Privacy

The personal-use version of the program is peer-to-peer. As it does not connect to a central server, it collects no user or usage data.

Security

Mynigma uses end-to-end encryption. The keys required for decryption are stored only on the users' devices.

The encryption format is public and the program's source code is available under a GPL licence.

It uses the algorithms RSA (4096 bit, OAEP padding), AES-128 (CBC with random IV) and SHA-512. Its crypto container is provably CCA secure and protects subject lines as well as message body and attachments.

Man-the-middle prevention

Like any trust-on-first-use system, Mynigma may be subject to a man-in-the-middle attack. This can be prevented by comparing a fingerprint (e.g. over the phone) or scanning a QR code.

Press coverage

Mynigma has been featured in various national newspapers, including Tagesspiegel, FAZ and Die Welt. It appears in the sixth issue of The Hundert magazine.

References

Mynigma Wikipedia