I was wondering if there’s any unofficial fork of the Signal Desktop client that allows you to lock the app with a password, similar to how it’s possible on the mobile Signal apps?
The reason I’m asking is because I would like to use Signal on my work PC so that I don’t have to be on my phone all the time when messaging with my family. I don’t have a high threat model per se but just don’t want some random IT guy with remote desktop access to be able to read through my messages.
Unfortunately the Signal developers have in the past refused to add a “lock with password” function to the Desktop app and there’s also no browser-based version that you could run instead.
I can’t stress enough how much I would recommend against doing personal things on work computers. They don’t belong to you, and all the information on them is subject to discovery by anyone in IT at any time.
This is not only a “snooping” issue, but legally if your workplace is involved in a lawsuit for any reason, putting your personal files on company hardware can easily make them involved in that lawsuit/discovery process. The best thing to protect your privacy and legal rights is to never intermix your personal and professional lives.
To answer the question more generally for people who aren’t doing this on a work machine though: no, unfortunately there are not any forks like this.
The only project that would probably have this in their scope and would be trustworthy would be the Molly fork, but I’m not aware of any plans they have to make a desktop version.
There isn’t, theoretically you can use a utility and stuff like that to achieve the same result. However…
If possible just don’t use it on a work machine indeed, Why couldn’t you use your phone exactly? I feel like putting it on your work PC is worse than your phone because the IT people and dangerously in turn, your manager will start knowing you use that messaging app during work. @jonah is right. Compartmentalize your work and personal life separately, Just like how I segregate Online and Real world lives like what I’m doing here being known as the “Gorujo” guy Online. (of course with some exceptions like Remote jobs and close friends I share both aspects of myself especially when it is beneficial).
Is there really no negotiation to do breaks at work when you most need it?
Signal refuses and almost makes just about the worst decisions.
Refusing to Encrypt the keys storing them in plain text so your community was very rough until you did? That’s signal
Removed SMS(And I get it, genuinely, it’s not a very bad choice, but) but Not adding RCS and even better work with Google to be able to use their Key Server for E2EE RCS? that’s signal for you.
This? That’s signal for you.
Not even implementing a way I can switch between my Online and Personal Signal account? That’s signal for you.
Add literally anything else similarly that signal “bsingly” did, especially with their desktop app and have different justifications for each one.
Thanks, everyone. My workaround so far - but not one I’m very happy with - was to have a .vhdx (virtual hard disk) file with Bitlocker encryption that then contains a portable version of Signal.
I really wish the Signal developers were less stubborn and would listen to the users once in a while.