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Questions

Why isn't it possible to register a username via a web interface?

While other ToxMe services provide the option to register a username via a nice web interface, this is not possible here. There are different reasons for that decision:

  • It should only for the owner of the public key be possible to register, update or delete his account on the server
  • A well-designed integration of ToxMe in Tox clients like qTox makes it much more comfortable to handle the registration etc. For example it's possible when you change your NoSpam value that the client will automatically send an update request to the ToxMe service you are registered on
  • The goal was to create a preferably lightweight ToxMe service
Can someone else register, delete or update my account?

No. Only the owner of the public key - thanks to cryptography - can do that.

How does ToxMe prevent replay attacks?

A well-configured ToxMe service should only be accessible via a strong TLS connection. Because of that replay attacks are not possible. Additionally, when you never used the update or delete action there is also in theory no chance for a replay attack.

But is not TLS broken?

There are definitely some issues with TLS but a well-configured service that is only accessible via a strong TLS connection should be relatively secure. Moreover, ToxMe also uses NaCl for the register, update and delete actions.

So is ToxMe secure or not?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to answer this question with a simple "Yes" or "No". First of all, it is important to understand that the most secure way will always be to validate and use only Tox IDs. That's especially the case when someone uses Tox for pretty sensitive communication (what should not be the case at the moment because Tox is still alpha-software).

So let's be honest: You can use ToxMe services definitely without the need to be afraid and it's actually much more comfortable to add an user like [email protected] than a 76 hexadecimal Tox ID. You just should know that there will never be 100% security when you use the internet and that you should only register on ToxMe services you trust. And when you use Tox for sensitive communication, check and validate the Tox ID of the person you want to communicate with. For the rest: Happy toxing!