From beginning to end encoding, a term associated with most instant messaging and video calling platforms as a means of providing additional protection to users’ data and enhanced privacy.
but what is end-to-end encryption, Why is every single messaging and video calling platform joining it? And more importantly, how does it protect the user’s data?
We tell you everything you need to know about end-to-end encryption and how it ensures extra security for user data. read on…
End-to-End Encryption: Introduction
End-to-end encryption is designed to keep data or messages or transfer packages secure and away from snoopers or hackers by preventing them from eavesdropping while the message is in transit.
To achieve this level of security, an end-to-end encryption system encrypts a message in an ‘alien’ that can only be decrypted by the device whose purpose is to receive the message.
This means that the encryption takes place on the sender’s device and is then transferred to the receiver’s device through service providers (WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.) channel to the receiver where the device matches the encryption code and once it matches, the message is decrypted in a readable format. The same applies to calls and video messages.
In theory, an end-to-end encrypted message can only be read by the sender (obviously) and the receiver. It cannot be decrypted by the service provider itself.
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption FAQ page states, “End-to-end encryption simply ensures that you and the person you are communicating with can read or hear what was sent.” and no one in between, not even WhatsApp”.
End-to-end encryption: How it makes data secure
As mentioned, messages sent and received are encrypted and can only be read by the sender and receiver, not even the middle ‘man’ can read or listen to the call. This means that only the sender and the receiver are reading or listening to the message or call.
To put this in perspective, you have two keys to your house. You decided to keep one with you and gave the other key to your wife. Now, both the keys belong to the same lock, so only you and your wife have access to the house.
Similarly, in the case of end-to-end encryption, cryptographic codes are generated with each message and each chat has different codes, which can be understood as the key to unlock/decrypt the received message. .
Once the codes match, the messages are decrypted. It is also important to understand that all this happens in the background and at a really fast pace.
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