Keybase

There is certainly no lack of chat and conference applications, but most of them are off the table when security is a concern, especially if you work with your team on something sensitive, which could have dire effects if it gets leaked. Keybase provides a communication system you can rely on. Its end-to-end encryption capabilities ensure that whatever you and your colleagues say or share won't get leaked or hacked. You can create private groups to chat with your co-workers, share files in a secure manner and you can even create encrypted Git repositories, which only you and your team can access.

Keybase is offered completely free of charge, with no hidden fees or restrictions, for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It doesn't take long to download its setup package and to install its core components, so you can start using the software right away, though you obviously need to create an online account.

Once you are logged into your account, you can start navigating through several sections of the application's user interface. The software displays a discovery page, on which you can find new people who use Keybase or search for people you know and intend to collaborate with.

You can create one or more teams, to which you can invite other users, directly or by email, and make them simple members or administrators. Additionally, the software lets you make your teams public or private and make other fine tweaks. Created teams can be found in the chat section, where you can select a team and exchange messages and files with other members, in a private chatroom.

Local files can be shared among users and devices. What's more, the software lets you categorize them in public, private and team folders, so you will always know what's yours, what can be seen by other users or by people outside your team. Another useful feature is the possibility of creating Git repositories for yourself or a specific team. All repositories are heavily encrypted, so your work will be safe.

Security is not something you have to worry about when using Keybase to communicate and collaborate with your co-workers.