Matrix network

Matrix is an open network for secure, decentralized communication.

Please refer to the matrix.org website for more technical details, protocol specs and additional documentation. The following information tries to summarize key concepts for new users which are not available on most other messaging services.

Core concepts for new users

Username & password

As a new user you register with username & password like you do with most services. This allows you to log in and send/receive unencrypted messages.

End-to-end encryption and security key

Direct conversations and group messages (rooms) don’t have to, but can be end-to-end encrypted. To join encrypted conversations your client needs an encryption key which is created automatically. Be sure to back up your security key. This comes especially handy in those two common situations:

  • It allows you to restore the encryption key in another client. So when you are using multiple devices you need the same encryption key on all devices to being able to read the same encrypted messages. You can restore the same encryption key on any other device using your security key.
  • If you lose your encryption key (e.g. because you lost your device) you will not be able to read your old conversations. You can restore your original encryption key using the security key.

Additional security features

Account trust verification is another security concept built right into Matrix. It’s an additional step that verifies that you really are who you are claiming to be.

When you add another device you might have noticed that your software asks for additional verification (e.g. from another device). This is because in theory someone could have obtained your credentials without permission and is trying to pose as you.

If the new device is not verified it shows to other users. The new device can partake in conversations but other users should be suspicious.

A similar concept exists not only for your multiple devices/clients, but also between users. Users can verify each other to mark each other as trusted.