Following in the footsteps of WhatsApp, Viber is set to roll out end-to-end encryption for its Android and iOS messaging apps over the coming weeks.

The feature includes “strengthened security in every voice or video call, message, video and photo, in both group messages and one-to-one communication.”

Users will see a colour-coded lock on the right hand side of the screen indicating the level of security. During an end-to-end encrypted conversation or call, users will see a grey padlock icon.

Users also have the option of manually authenticating their contacts by selecting that they are ‘trusted’; these will be indicated by a green lock.

If there is a problem with the authentication key of a previously trusted user, the padlock will turn red.

Viber, which has 711 million unique users, will also have ‘hidden chats’, allowing users to hide specific chats from the main screen so no one but the user knows they exist.

These chats can only be accessed using a four digit PIN, providing an optional additional layer of privacy to communications.

“We take our users’ security and privacy very seriously, and it’s critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber,” said Michael Shmilov, COO.

“We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves,” he added.