Websites using Keybase

Okay, let s break down Keybase, covering its overview, revenue (or lack thereof), alternatives, pricing (also related to the lack of revenue), and customer care.

Keybase: A Comprehensive Overview

• What it Was: Keybase was a messaging and file-sharing application that focused intensely on end-to-end encryption and identity verification. It aimed to be a secure and verifiable communication hub. Key features included:

  • Secure Messaging: Encrypted text, voice, and video chats, both one-on-one and in groups.
  • File Sharing: Secure file storage and sharing with encryption.
  • Crypto Wallet: A built-in cryptocurrency wallet (initially Stellar Lumens (XLM)).
  • Git Integration: Integration with Git for secure code collaboration.
  • Identity Verification: The core concept was to link your Keybase identity to your various online presences (Twitter, GitHub, Reddit, etc.) to cryptographically prove you owned those accounts. This allowed you to find and connect with people based on their online identities, not just email addresses or phone numbers. This was considered a unique and valuable feature.
  • Open Source (Partially): Some parts of the Keybase client were open source, allowing for community review and auditing. However, the server-side components were not open source.

• Key Differentiator: The strength of Keybase was its robust identity verification system and its focus on tying real-world identities to cryptographic keys. This made it harder for imposters to impersonate someone.

• Acquisition by Zoom: In May 2020, Keybase was acquired by Zoom. The Keybase team was integrated into Zoom to improve Zoom s security and privacy features.

• Shutdown of the Keybase Service: In December 2020, Zoom shut down the Keybase service. Keybase s technology and team were used to build end-to-end encryption into Zoom.

Revenue and Pricing

• No Revenue: Keybase, as a standalone service, did not generate direct revenue. It was a free service.
• No Pricing: There were no paid tiers or premium features. Everything was offered for free.
• Funding: Keybase was primarily funded through venture capital. Their business model relied on becoming a critical communication platform that could be monetized in the future, or, as it turned out, acquired.

Alternatives (Historical - For Context)

Since Keybase is no longer available, these are alternatives that provide similar (but not necessarily identical) functionality, especially with regard to secure messaging, file sharing, and identity verification (though few offer the same level of identity integration):

• Signal: A popular, open-source, end-to-end encrypted messaging app focused on privacy.
• Wire: Another secure messaging and collaboration platform with end-to-end encryption.
• Session: Decentralized end-to-end encrypted messenger
• Matrix/Element: An open standard for decentralized communication. Element is a popular client for the Matrix network.
• Threema: A privacy-focused messaging app that minimizes data collection.
• ProtonMail/Proton Drive/Proton Calendar: A suite of encrypted email, file storage, and calendar services.
• Cryptomator/Boxcryptor: Encryption software that can be used with existing cloud storage providers (like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) to add end-to-end encryption.
• GPG (GNU Privacy Guard): While not a direct replacement, GPG is a command-line tool and library for encrypting and signing data. It can be used for secure email communication and file encryption, and is often part of advanced workflows. It s more technical than Keybase.

Customer Care (Historical)

• Community Support: Keybase primarily relied on community support through their GitHub repository, online forums, and social media.
• Limited Direct Support: As a free service, Keybase had limited direct customer support resources.
• Documentation: They provided documentation and FAQs on their website.

Key Takeaways

• Keybase was a unique platform focused on secure communication and identity verification.
• It was a free service funded by venture capital.
• It was acquired by Zoom and its technology was integrated into Zoom s platform. The Keybase service itself was shut down.
• While alternatives exist, few offer the same level of integrated identity verification that Keybase pioneered.
• The shutdown highlights the risks of relying on free services, as their future is often uncertain and dependent on external funding or acquisition.