Matrix.org is the market-leading open source secure communication platform. SSH Communications Security’s SalaX Secure Messaging is partnering with Element on this renowned technology platform.
In the fast-evolving world of secure communications, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That’s why our SalaX Secure Messaging team attended the Matrix Conference 2024 in Berlin, eager to explore how cutting-edge innovations in secure, decentralized communication—technologies we proudly integrate into our solutions through our partnership with Element on Matrix technology—are shaping the future.
Here's what was buzzing from the industry leaders and community contributors at the event.
Matrix.org: A Foundation for Secure, Open, and Interoperable Communication
For those unfamiliar, Matrix.org is an open-source, decentralized communication protocol designed to provide secure, instant communication. Unlike traditional messaging systems that rely on centralized servers, Matrix allows communication to be federated, meaning users from different servers can interact seamlessly.
However, Matrix is much more than just federation. The protocol also offers built-in end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended parties can access the content, protecting privacy and data security across every communication channel.
Additionally, Matrix supports native interoperability between all Matrix-based systems, which is truly groundbreaking.
Matrix also supports bridging different messaging platforms, allowing users to communicate across tools like Slack, WhatsApp, and others without leaving the Matrix ecosystem. While bridging is useful, the ultimate vision is for everyone to be Matrix-based.
The decentralized structure of Matrix, in which authority is divided among several servers and hosted either on-premises or in the private cloud by security-aware companies, improves resilience against disruptions and intrusions.
Matrix’s impact is clear, with over 160 million federated known users, positioning it as a key player in the future of secure communication.
How Major Organizations Are Transforming with Matrix
Several key industry use cases stood out at the conference, demonstrating how Matrix’s flexibility and security are being successfully implemented in various sectors.
One of the most impressive examples is Tchap, the secure communication platform used by the French government. Tchap facilitates over 6.5 million monthly messages across 240,000 active users, allowing civil servants to communicate securely across departments.
Tchap’s role during the 2024 Paris Olympics was particularly notable, as the platform scaled effortlessly to handle a surge in users. The number of accounts created in July doubled compared to May, highlighting its ability to support critical, time-sensitive operations on a national scale.
In Germany’s healthcare system, Matrix powers the TI-Messenger, which supports over 150,000 healthcare organizations and millions of citizens. This use case underscores the importance of interoperability, as Matrix allows different systems and stakeholders to communicate seamlessly while maintaining privacy and data security.
Swiss Post, established in 1849, is a great example of how a company can sustain itself through digital transformation. One of its key services, ePost, allows customers to manage their postal services and communications digitally.
For its secure messaging functionality within ePost chose Matrix due to its open, decentralized architecture and strong end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security for its users. This decision highlights how even a centuries-old institution can embrace cutting-edge technology to meet modern security demands while maintaining trust and reliability in the digital age.
Similarly, Försäkringskassan, a Swedish government body, adopted Matrix to overhaul its internal communication infrastructure, further emphasizing how Matrix is becoming the go-to solution for organizations seeking secure, scalable communication systems.
Another important player, Bundeswehr, German Armed Forces also adopted a new secure open source messaging service - BwMessenger; an organization-wide, secure and device-independent communication system.
And of course, NATO is always looking for innovative ways to enhance its communication posture. Consumer messaging apps, such as Signal, Telegram and WhatsApp, are incredibly popular but not suitable for the workplace; especially in the military and defense.
Unlike consumer messaging apps, the NATO NI2CE Messenger doesn’t need to use an end user’s mobile number. NI2CE supports native interoperability with any other messaging application built on the Matrix open standard, which is crucial for a membership organization like NATO.
Matrix 2.0 and Element X: Usability and Performance Revolution
A significant portion of the conference focused on the upcoming Matrix 2.0 update, which promises major advancements in functionality and performance. One of the key improvements includes Simplified Sliding Sync, which enables faster login and synchronization, providing a more seamless experience for users.
Native OpenID Connect introduces more streamlined authentication processes, while Encrypted VoIP calling enhances the platform's secure communication capabilities. Additionally, Invisible Encryption simplifies the user experience by hiding the complexity of cryptography, allowing users to communicate securely without needing to manage encryption manually.
The introduction of the new Element apps, Element X, also drew considerable attention, as it is set to eventually replace the existing Element apps. It is a next-generation messaging client, is designed to outperform mainstream while retaining Matrix’s core strengths of end-to-end encryption, decentralization, and open interoperability.
The focus on design, combined with Invisible Cryptography, makes Element X not only highly secure but also user-friendly. The integration of Element Call across platforms further enhances its utility, allowing for seamless communication experiences in both messaging and calls.
Partnering for the Future of Secure Communications
The Matrix Conference 2024 made it clear why major organizations—such as the French government, Germany’s healthcare system, NATO, and Sweden’s public institutions—have chosen Matrix and Element as the foundation for their secure communication needs. The flexibility, security, and scalability of Matrix’s solutions are driving the future of decentralized communications.
By partnering with Element and developing on top of Matrix technology, we at SSH Communications Security are proud to bring our 29 years of experience in securing human-to-human communications into the Matrix ecosystem.
As originators of our namesake Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, this is a natural move for us, since we have a strong history of leveraging open source in commercial security products.
By integrating cutting-edge Matrix technologies into our own solutions, including SalaX Secure Messaging, we are combining the best of both worlds: Matrix’s open, decentralized architecture with our proven expertise in securing sensitive communications. This partnership allows us to deliver robust, scalable, and secure platforms that meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.
If you're interested in learning how SalaX Secure Messaging can revolutionize your organization's sensitive communication security, contact us to learn more.
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