Encrypted Chat Programs

Anyone know of any instant messaging clients that have solid encryption? Preferably something freeware but I would pay for something good that's Vista/XP compatible. All the searches on the web seem to turn up some shady programs.

 

IRC? I heard that was pretty safe.

 

You can use the Pidgin-Encryption or Off the Record plugin for Pidgin, and for IRC I recommmend using the FiSH plugin.

 

IRC is not encrypted (unless you use some type of plugin). Pidgin is probably most like what you are looking for, with the plugins mentioned. There's also SILC, but I'm not sure how widespread that is.

If you describe some more of your requirements, we might be able to help you better. Do you need to inter-operate with a regular IM system like AIM? Will both of you be able to install a new client program? Are you planning on running your own server? Please describe your usage scenario.

 

Thanks for the replies.

My typical usage will be direct chatting with one other person. Vista & XP will be the 2 os's. Currently we use MSN/email. I'm open to using AIM or ICQ or even a different proprietary chat program. I don't want to run it off my own server, just establish a direct encrypted link between 2 computers.

 

In that case, I'd say pidgin is the way to go. You can use any medium you like with the encryption plugin mentioned above.

 

Ahhhh I got it working, this is awesome! Thanks for your help guys.

 

It looks like the plugin version is 3.0, for use with pidgin version 2.0. Confusing, I know. You can download the windows binary of the plugin here: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=57740&package_id=74411&release_id=506412

Install pidgin 2 first, then the plugin.