Keybase

What is Keybase?

Keybase is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and file-sharing platform that pioneered the concept of cryptographic identity verification tied to public social proofs. Founded in 2014 and acquired by Zoom in 2020, Keybase allows users to prove their identity by linking their account to verified social media profiles, websites, and other online presences. This approach solves the “is this really you?” problem in secure communications by providing cryptographic proof of identity without relying on centralized authorities.

What distinguishes Keybase from other encrypted messengers is its comprehensive approach to identity and collaboration. Beyond messaging, Keybase offers encrypted file storage (KBFS), Git repositories, team collaboration spaces, and a cryptocurrency wallet. The platform’s identity verification system means you can find and message someone based on their Twitter handle, GitHub username, or website, with cryptographic assurance you’re reaching the right person – eliminating the phone number exchange typically required for secure messaging.

Keybase has attracted a devoted following among developers, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and security-conscious professionals who appreciate its unique blend of features. While the Zoom acquisition raised concerns about the platform’s future direction, Keybase continues operating as a standalone service. For teams and individuals who value both security and collaboration features, Keybase offers a distinctive combination found nowhere else in the encrypted communication space.

Key Features

• Identity Verification: Cryptographically prove identity through public social proofs on Twitter, GitHub, Reddit, and more
• End-to-End Encrypted Chat: Private messaging with verified contacts and team channels
• Encrypted File System (KBFS): Cloud storage with end-to-end encryption accessible across devices
• Git Repositories: Encrypted Git hosting for private code collaboration
• Teams: Create encrypted workspaces for group collaboration with role-based access
• Cryptocurrency Wallet: Integrated Stellar Lumens wallet for payments
• Exploding Messages: Messages that automatically delete after specified time
• Public Folders: Host publicly accessible encrypted files with your Keybase identity
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
• Open Source: Client code is open source for security verification

What’s New

Keybase development continues post-Zoom acquisition:

• Stability Focus: Continued maintenance and stability improvements
• Security Updates: Ongoing security patches and vulnerability fixes
• Platform Compatibility: Updates for latest operating system versions
• Performance Improvements: Faster sync and reduced resource usage
• Bug Fixes: Regular fixes for reported issues
• Zoom Integration: Some integration with Zoom’s security infrastructure
• UI Refinements: Minor interface improvements
• KBFS Enhancements: Improved file system performance

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 200 MB for app (KBFS uses additional)
• Internet: Required for sync and messaging

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.12 or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 200 MB for app

Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, or compatible
• Architecture: x64
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 200 MB for app

Mobile

• iOS: Version 11.0 or later
• Android: Version 5.0 or later
• Storage: 100 MB for app

How to Install Keybase

Desktop Installation

1. Visit keybase.io
2. Download for your platform
3. Install the application
4. Create account with username
5. Add device to account
6. Optionally verify social identities

# macOS (Homebrew)
brew install --cask keybase

# Ubuntu/Debian
curl --remote-name https://prerelease.keybase.io/keybase_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i keybase_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
run_keybase

# Arch Linux
yay -S keybase-bin

# Windows: Download installer from keybase.io

Adding Social Proofs

1. Open Keybase app
2. Go to your profile
3. Click “Prove your identity”
4. Select platform (Twitter, GitHub, etc.)
5. Follow instructions to post cryptographic proof
6. Keybase verifies and links the account

# How proofs work:
# 1. Keybase generates a signed statement
# 2. You post this to your social account
# 3. Keybase reads and verifies the post
# 4. Your accounts are cryptographically linked

# Example Twitter proof:
# Post contains signed hash linking to Keybase identity
# Anyone can verify you control both accounts

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique Identity System: Social proof verification solves the “is this really them?” problem
• Encrypted File System: KBFS provides cloud storage with end-to-end encryption
• Team Features: Encrypted workspaces for collaboration beyond messaging
• Git Integration: Encrypted repositories for secure code hosting
• Cross-Platform: Consistent experience across desktop and mobile
• Open Source Client: Verifiable security through open source code
• No Phone Number: Username-based without requiring phone verification

Cons

• Zoom Ownership: Acquisition raised concerns about future direction and privacy
• Reduced Development: Feature development has slowed post-acquisition
• Uncertain Future: Long-term platform viability questions
• Smaller User Base: Fewer users than mainstream messengers
• Learning Curve: Features like KBFS and proofs require understanding

Keybase vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Keybase?

Keybase is ideal for:

• Developers: Those wanting encrypted Git repos and file sharing alongside messaging
• Open Source Contributors: Those already with public GitHub/Twitter needing verified communication
• Small Teams: Groups needing encrypted collaboration without enterprise costs
• Cryptocurrency Users: Those who want integrated Stellar wallet functionality
• Privacy Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate unique identity verification approach
• Power Users: Those willing to learn the platform’s distinctive features

Keybase may not be ideal for:

• Mainstream Users: Those whose contacts don’t use Keybase
• Enterprise Teams: Large organizations may prefer Slack or Microsoft Teams
• Long-Term Planners: Those concerned about platform’s uncertain future post-Zoom
• Simple Needs: Users wanting only basic messaging should use Signal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keybase still being developed after Zoom acquisition?

Keybase continues operating but development has slowed significantly since Zoom’s 2020 acquisition. The platform receives maintenance updates and security patches, but major new features are rare. Zoom stated they acquired Keybase for its security expertise rather than the platform itself. Users should consider this uncertainty when deciding on Keybase for long-term use.

What is KBFS and how does it work?

KBFS (Keybase File System) is an encrypted cloud storage system integrated into Keybase. It provides 250GB of storage where files are end-to-end encrypted before upload. KBFS mounts as a drive on your computer, making encrypted files accessible like local files. You can share folders with other Keybase users or teams while maintaining encryption. Public folders allow hosting publicly accessible content with your verified identity.

How do social proofs work?

Social proofs cryptographically link your Keybase account to other online identities. When you prove your Twitter, you post a signed message that Keybase verifies. Anyone can then confirm you control both accounts by checking the cryptographic signature. This solves the problem of verifying someone’s identity without centralized authority – you can trust someone’s Keybase because you know their Twitter is real.

Is Keybase safe to use after Zoom bought it?

Keybase’s client remains open source and independently auditable. The encryption happens on-device before data reaches servers. However, server-side components aren’t open source, and Zoom controls the infrastructure. For most users, Keybase remains secure for its intended purposes. Those with extreme security requirements should note the changed ownership and evaluate accordingly.

Can I use Keybase for team collaboration?

Yes, Keybase Teams provides encrypted workspaces with channels, file sharing, and role-based access. Teams can be public or private, with customizable membership. It’s suitable for small teams wanting Slack-like collaboration with end-to-end encryption. However, it lacks some enterprise features and the platform’s uncertain future should factor into team adoption decisions.

Final Verdict

Keybase offers a unique combination of features found nowhere else: cryptographic identity verification, encrypted messaging, cloud storage, and Git hosting in one platform. The social proof system elegantly solves the identity verification problem that plagues encrypted communication. For developers and technical users, KBFS and encrypted Git provide genuine utility beyond simple messaging.

The elephant in the room is Zoom’s acquisition and the resulting slowdown in development. While the platform continues functioning, its long-term future is uncertain. Users should weigh the unique features against this uncertainty. For current needs, Keybase delivers well; for long-term infrastructure decisions, the question marks may be concerning.

Keybase is recommended for developers, technical teams, and open source contributors who value its unique features and can accept the platform’s uncertain trajectory. The identity verification and encrypted file system provide value unavailable elsewhere. Those seeking simple encrypted messaging should prefer Signal, and those needing enterprise collaboration should consider established alternatives. For its niche, Keybase remains distinctively valuable.