Signal Adopted by Swedish Armed Forces for Secure Communications

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) have decided to standardize the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal for non-classified communications via mobile phones.

The decision, made by Brigadier General Mattias Hanson, the military’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), aims to mitigate the risks of eavesdropping and number spoofing in telephone networks.

The decision, which was announced earlier this month, instructs personnel to use Signal whenever possible for calls and messages that do not involve security-classified information. This move aligns Försvarsmakten with other governmental bodies, industry partners, and allied organizations that have already adopted Signal as a preferred encrypted communication tool.

Försvarsmakten is Sweden’s military defense agency, responsible for national security and defense operations. The organization regularly assesses its communication infrastructure to counter evolving cybersecurity threats. By implementing end-to-end encryption technology — where only the sender and recipient can access messages in plain text — the military seeks to enhance operational security and limit potential vulnerabilities in traditional telecom networks.

Signal, an open-source application known for its robust encryption, has been widely recognized for its security and privacy-protecting features. It prevents interception by ensuring that no third party, including the service provider itself, can access the content of messages or calls. Additionally, its use helps counteract number spoofing, a technique where attackers falsify caller IDs to impersonate trusted contacts. Check out our detailed review of Signal to learn more about its features.

This decision underscores an ongoing shift among military and government entities worldwide toward adopting encrypted communication solutions to protect unclassified yet sensitive exchanges. While Försvarsmakten’s classified communications will continue to rely on specialized secure systems, the integration of Signal for routine interactions reflects the organization’s proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Commenting on the news about the adoption of Signal by the Swedish army, local IT expert Patrik Fältström said that more state authorities and organizations are expected to announce similar directives soon, including the MSB, the Swedish Food Agency, the Public Health Authority, the National Board of Health and the Swedish Public Service Obligation Agency.