End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages, not admins or other intermediaries. When E2EE is the default, it eliminates human error, misconfigurations, or policy gaps that could expose sensitive data. It prevents surveillance, data breaches, and insider threats, making it the gold standard for privacy and security. Without default E2EE, communications are only as secure as their weakest link. In today’s threat landscape, where interception is cheap and exploitation is fast, secure by default isn’t optional. It’s the baseline for trust, safety, and digital sovereignty. That’s why messaging and collaboration systems that don’t offer E2EE or that turn it off by default, even in portions of their product functionality, are simply not secure enough for organizations that are intent on privacy, protection, and compliance of sensitive or classified data.

In E2EE, local key storage means that encryption keys are stored on the user's device, ensuring only they can decrypt messages. Central key storage places keys on a server, exposing them to breaches, insider threats, or surveillance. This difference matters: with local storage, even admins can’t access your messages. True E2EE requires keys to be device-held—centralized key control breaks the end-to-end model and compromises security and privacy.

Messaging Layer Security (MLS) is a next-generation encryption protocol designed for fast, secure group messaging at scale. It provides end-to-end encryption with forward secrecy, post-compromise security, and efficient group key updates—even across thousands of users. Unlike older protocols, MLS was explicitly built for high scalability. Standardized by the IETF, it represents the strongest, most future-proof foundation for secure communications in enterprise and government environments.

Using one strong, consistent protocol for all secure communication features ensures that every message, call, or file shares the same high level of protection. Mixing protocols creates weak spots—some data may be less secure or fall through the cracks. A unified protocol like MLS ensures end-to-end encryption, consistent key management, and streamlined audits, thereby reducing complexity, minimizing risk, and enhancing overall trust in the system. Security should never depend on which feature you're using.

Post-compromise security ensures that even if a device or key is compromised, past and future messages remain protected. To achieve it, secure communication systems must support frequent key updates, forward secrecy (protecting past messages), and post-compromise recovery (restoring security after a breach). Protocols like MLS (Message Layer Security) enable this by continuously rotating keys and isolating compromises, making long-term surveillance or message replay ineffective. It's critical for defending against persistent or advanced attackers.

Perfect forward secrecy (PFS) ensures that if long-term keys are compromised, past communications remain secure. It’s enabled by using ephemeral session keys that are generated for each conversation and discarded after use. To implement PFS, a secure communications platform must support protocols such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange, avoid key reuse, and ensure that keys are never stored in a long-term manner. PFS protects message history even if a device or server is later breached.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) means never trust, always verify—every user, device, and session must continuously prove its identity. In secure communications, ZTA requires strong authentication, least-privilege access, end-to-end encryption, and no implicit trust in networks or infrastructure. Keys must be user-controlled, not centrally stored. Combined with continuous verification, ZTA ensures that even if parts of the system are compromised, communications remain secure and compartmentalized.

Fleet device verification refers to the ability to automate organization-wide device verification in conjunction with an Identity Provider (IdP). Fleet verification meets enterprise-class security needs by eliminating the need for manual verification. Fleet verification also ensures that verification is based on a highly trusted certificate authority, rather than on user self-verification as a foundation. Wire supports fleet device verification via our ID Shield feature.

Secure communications platforms support encrypted backup by locally encrypting message history with a user-held key before storing it in the cloud. For secure recovery, users must retain or re-enter the encryption key, often tied to a password or recovery phrase. The most secure method avoids server-side key storage entirely, using end-to-end encrypted backups with client-side key management, so only the user can decrypt the data, even during recovery. See our whitepaper.

Always-on end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) file sharing ensures that files are protected from sender to recipient, just like messages. Without it, files may be stored or transmitted in an unencrypted format, exposing them to interception, tampering, or unauthorized access. Always E2EE means no shortcuts—files never touch the server in plaintext, and only intended recipients can decrypt them. It’s essential for maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and trust, especially when sharing sensitive documents or media.

E2EE encrypted large group calling (up to 50 participants) secures voice/video so only devices—not servers—can access content. It’s technically challenging due to key management, latency, and participant churn. But it’s essential: without secure group calling, enterprises must rely on separate, often less secure tools. To be a comprehensive communications solution, platforms must protect all channels—chat, files, and meetings—under a single E2EE umbrella, ensuring privacy and compliance across all collaboration modes.

Secure, SPAM-free federation requires strong server authentication, rate-limiting, and mutual trust policies with allowlists. To prevent abuse, the federation model must be closed; only pre-approved, vetted servers can connect. Open federation invites SPAM, spoofing, and malicious actors, as seen with email. A closed model ensures trust, accountability, and consistent security standards across domains. It’s essential for delivering secure, reliable communications at scale without sacrificing user experience or exposing organizations to threats.

SSO with SCIM 2.0 automation means users can sign in with a single identity provider (like Okta or Azure AD), while SCIM 2.0 automates user management—provisioning, deprovisioning, and role updates—in real time. Together, they simplify access control, reduce admin overhead, and enhance security by ensuring only authorized users have access. It’s essential for enterprises managing large teams, as it enables seamless onboarding and instant revocation of access when employees leave or change roles.

Flexible deployment—multi-tenant cloud, private cloud, or on-premises—is essential for enterprises and governments to meet security, compliance, and sovereignty requirements. Large organizations often need to let different business units choose the deployment model that best fits their risk profile and regulatory environment. Some require full control (on-prem), others regional data residency (private cloud), while many prefer scalability (multi-tenant). This flexibility ensures secure communications without compromising on performance, policy, or operational autonomy.