Online privacy is the need of the hour. Especially, when there is a continuous increase in the number of techniques to steal user data. Recognizing this need, major online messaging services use a technique called end-to-end encryption, to secure and protect user conversations.
But what does end-to-end encryption mean and how does it actually work? Let’s find the answer through the following article!
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Encryption means converting information into code, hiding the true meaning of the information.
Decoding means converting this code back to the original information and returning its meaning. It is the reverse mechanism of encryption.
Why do you need encryption?
When you post something online, be it a message, a comment or an image – they carry some “information”. What we need to understand is that this message or image has no value in itself – but has value for the information it provides. It is valuable because of the information one can interpret when one sees it. So what happens if the message or image you are sending is also seen by a third person over the Internet? They will know the information you are trying to convey. What about using encryption and decryption? This is where end-to-end encryption comes into play.
What is end-to-end encryption?
You encrypt the message/image you want to send and it travels over the Internet as a ‘secret’ code. Only the recipient can then decode this ‘secret’ code. This process is called end-to-end encryption.
In the simplest terms, end-to-end encryption ensures confidential communication between sender and receiver, preventing third parties from accessing this information. The tools and technologies that make this process possible are designed into the messaging apps and other software that users (can) use.
How does end-to-end encryption work?
The goal of end-to-end encryption is to prevent any intruders from stealing information between the sender and receiver. Back to the situation mentioned earlier: You are sending someone else a message.
When using an end-to-end encryption service, you are provided with a public and private key pair. These keys help you encrypt and decrypt. Along with that, the messaging app has an algorithm, which includes mathematical functions used to encrypt or decrypt data.
When you are sending a message to another person, you will be provided with a public key that maps to that person’s chat box. The public key is used to encrypt messages, using algorithms found in messaging applications. This public key helps you recognize the recipient’s device and the fact that he or she will receive the message.
Now, the recipient will use the private key, which helps decrypt the message and interpret the information in the message you sent. This private key is only available and exclusive to the recipient’s device. Therefore, no one else can decrypt the message – now the end-to-end encryption is successful.
This is the basic operating principle of end-to-end encryption. However, not all services use end-to-end encryption. Some tools often use transport layer encryption techniques instead. So what is the difference between these two techniques?
How are end-to-end encryption and transport layer encryption different?
As mentioned earlier, not all services are end-to-end encrypted. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have any means of encryption. The most common form of encryption for websites is TLS – Transport Layer Security encryption.
The only difference between this type of encryption and end-to-end encryption is that in TLS, the encryption takes place in the sender’s device and is decrypted at the server. Therefore, it is not truly end-to-end encrypted but provides a good level of security and is capable of protecting user information.
It is also known as encryption in transit. This means that the service provider can access all of your messages through their servers. That’s why you can easily view your old Instagram messages when you re-download the app, but not on WhatsApp. You can only restore messages by downloading the backup file and decrypting it on your device.
Pros and cons of end-to-end encryption
Here are some advantages of end-to-end encryption.
- Every step is fully protected.
- The servers of messaging services cannot access messages and related information.
- Information cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons online.
- You cannot restore messages through a new login – unless there is an encrypted backup.
- Consider the example of Instagram messenger and WhatsApp Messenger explained above.
Some disadvantages of end-to-end encryption include:
- Metadata such as date, time, and participant names are not encrypted.
If the endpoints (sender or receiver) are vulnerable, then end-to-end encryption is of little use. - In some cases, a Man-in-the-Middle attack may occur despite the presence of end-to-end encryption. Therefore, if someone chooses to physically impersonate the sender or recipient, messages and information may be read by unintended parties.
- These are all the pros and cons of end-to-end encryption. If you’re still wondering whether it’s a good idea to enable end-to-end encryption even if you’re not sending secret messages, the answer is yes. Why allow others to access your data?
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Some messaging apps have popular end-to-end encryption
Here are some of the best end-to-end encrypted messaging apps for iPhone and Android. You can use any of the methods below to add a layer of security to your messages.
1. WhatsApp
The very popular WhatsApp messaging tool supports end-to-end encryption. You can use the links below to download and install for both iPhone and Android.
2. Signal
Signal is another feature-rich, end-to-end encrypted messaging app for iPhone and Android. It offers a more modern looking user interface compared to WhatsApp.
3. iMessage
iMessage, as we all know, is the basic messaging app for all Apple users. All messages and files on iMessage are end-to-end encrypted. However, it is not cross-platform and is therefore not available for Android.
4. Telegram
Telegram is another feature-rich messaging app that we all want to use as our primary messaging app and wish all WhatsApp users migrate to it. It offers end-to-end encryption, albeit on an optional basis. This option is called “secret chat”.
Those are all the popular applications that the article can recommend for private messaging with encryption.
Here’s everything you need to know about end-to-end encryption. Hope you found this article useful!
