Security News > 2020 > May > Signal PINs Allow Users to Recover Data When Switching Phones
Encrypted messaging service Signal has announced the introduction of a new feature that allows users to recover their data if they switch to a new device.
The new feature, Signal PINs, is based on Secure Value Recovery, which the company introduced in December, and is meant to help users import data such as profile, settings, and blocked users when switching to a new device.
With the introduction of PINs, Signal wants to change that, to help users transfer some data to a new device if needed, and to facilitate new addressing that isn't based on phone numbers.
The Signal PINs will be at least 4 digits, with longer PINs and alphanumeric codes also supported.
"Because Signal doesn't have access to your keys - or your data - your PIN isn't recoverable if you forget it, so our apps help you remember your PIN with periodic reminders. Don't worry, these reminders get less frequent over time," Signal says.