What is Matrix
Matrix is an open standard aiming at unifying communication and instant messaging protocols. Its main selling points are being decentralized, secure and interoperable. Read more
Communications are secure by default. Matrix uses end-to-end encryption (read Matrix’s E2EE impementation) which means that the server itself doesn’t hold the cryptographic keys to decrypt messages, only the clients/users do.
Since each user might use multiple devices with the same account, Matrix also uses Cross-Signing to ease the verification process of users and devices.
Interoperability with other messaging networks is handled using Bridges to allow communication with other IM networks such as any XMPP-based, IRC, Slack, Signal, Telegram, Discord, RocketChat, Messenger, Mattermost…
Bridges come in different types, depending on the network to reach, resulting in varying levels of functionality.
Being an open standard, anyone can write its own server and/or client implementing the specfications. ANITI used the official reference implementations of both the server (Synapse) and the client (Element, formerly known as Riot).
Matrix is still quite new and is actively maintained and updated very often.
Getting Started
To get started, you’ll need to complete theses 3 steps:
- Choose a client and log in with your ANITI credentials,
- Create your Security Key,
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
To use ANITI’s chat service, you will first need a Matrix client.
1) Log into ANITI’s Chat Service
Using the Web Client
ANITI provides a pre-configured instance of the Web Client.
Using A Desktop Client
Element is available for Windows, MacOS, Debian/Ubuntu and Fedora/CentOS.
You then have to configure it to use ANITI’s Matrix server (called a homeserver):
By default, clients use “matrix.org” as their homeserver ; click “Edit” and enter “matrix.aniti.fr” as the homeserver:
Note:
Element Desktop apps are Electron apps which are glorified web applications running inside a dedicated browser (chromium). This means they take up an unusual amount of disk space (around 230 M !) since they are packaged with a full version of chromium.
Login
Regardless of the client, log in using your ANITI credentials.
If you forgot your password, you can always reset it here. You can also change it here.
2) Creating the Security Key
Creating the Security Key
To create the Security Key, click on your username (top-left) and then “Security & Privacy”. The section “Encryption / Secure Backup” should look like this:
Click “Set up”.
We recommend using a Security Key but you could use a passphrase instead.
Click “Continue”.
A Security Key has been generated. You can either download it as a file and keep it somewhere secure or copy it in a Password Manager for example.
Click “Continue” to finish.
Once done, the “Encryption / Secure Backup” section of the settings should now look like this:
Understanding Encryption Keys
As mentioned, Matrix uses end-to-end encryption. In order to manage the encryption keys of a user across multiple sessions and/or devices (browser, app, mobile app…), it is important to store a backup of your keys (Matrix calls it a Security Key) after the first login.
You will only have to do this once per device (not necessary on mobile) but will have to load this file after each login. If you don’t, you won’t be able to access any encrypted messages or files from any previous sessions. Encrypted messages will show as:
Matrix clients only ask for the Security Key when you log in, not every time the application is opened.
As with an email client though, you should not have to log in that often.
- Browsers: closing the browser can end the session which will require you to log back in next time you open it, depending on your browser settings.
- Desktop apps: closing the application window does not end the session (the application is not actually closed) nor does rebooting the system but manually terminating the process will.
WARNING:
You won’t be able to read messages sent in encrypted rooms (or direct messages) if you have no session opened !
This will only happen if you have manually logged out on every device.
In that case, messages show up like this:
Loading a Security Key
When you log in, the client asks for that key.
Click “Use Recovery Key”.
Either paste the key from your Password Manager or click upload and select the file you previously created.
If the key is valid, click “Continue”.
If it’s not, you’ll see this message:
3) Terms and Conditions
You need to accept the Terms and Conditions (currently only in french: “Conditions Générales d’Utilisation”) in order to create a room, invite people or even send messages.
On the left hand side, you’ll see a special room called “ANITI Info” marked with an invite notification.
Enter the room by accepting the invite and click on the link with the message: “To continue using this homeserver you must review and agree to the terms and conditions at …”.
Read the Terms and Conditions and click “Accept” at the bottom of the page.
Mobile App
A mobile version of Element is available
| Android | iOS |
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To ease the verification process, please first log in with the Desktop or Web application, if not already. A message will pop up allowing you to verify the login using a QR Code.
Initial Setup
On the first screen, tap “Get started” then “Other”. Enter “matrix.aniti.fr” as custom server and tap “Continue”.
Tap “Sign in” and enter your ANITI credentials.
Verifying The Login
Once logged in, you need to verify the login/session. This is the same step as uploading the Security Key on Desktop/Web but is simpler on mobile. You can use your existing session (Desktop/Web) to display a QR Code.
| On your phone, you should have the message “Verify this login” at the top of the screen. Click on it. | On the desktop/web app, a popup appeared titled “New login. Was this you?”. Click “Verify” and then “Continue”. |
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A QR Code is generated.
| On your phone, select “Scan their code” to scan the code. | You should then see a green shield. |
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Confirm on the desktop/web app by clicking “Yes”, then “Got it”.
On your phone, Click “Done”.
Rooms
Creating a room
To create a room, click on the “+” sign of the “Rooms” section of the left pane and select “Create new room”.
- Choose a name and, optionally, a topic.
- A room is private by default but can be made public by enabling “Make this room public” (or later in the room’s settings).
- Rooms are encrypted end-to-end by default but can be disabled
Click “Create Room”
Room Settings
Once the room is created, feel free to set an icon/avatar, invite people, etc.
You can also customize the room’s addresses (name/alias), visibility, handle roles and permisions, and notification settings.
To do that, head over to the room settings by clicking on its name (at the top of the room) or using in the left menu.
System Alerts: “ANITI Info”
This special room will display messages regarding ANITI Matrix servers (maintenance, updates, etc.)
Public Room: “ANITI”
This is the public room for all ANITI members. This is the place to talk to everyone.
Not Available Yet
The following features are not yet available on ANITI:
- Calls and video chat
- Bridges
- Element’s Integration Manager (bots, widgets and stickers)