What is End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)?

Introduction

End-to-end encryption refers to the act of encrypting messages on one device so that they can only be decrypted by the device to which they are sent. The message is encrypted from the sender to the recipient.

End-to-end encryption is a secure communication method that prevents third parties from accessing the messages or data while it is “at rest” on a server or being sent from one device to another. These third parties include network administrators, internet service providers (ISP), hackers, law enforcement agents, and even the company or platform that facilitates your communication. This is the case because only the recipient has the key to decrypt the encrypted data.

Further, end-to-end encryption is used to encrypt content coming from a central source or being shared between users. It is also used to encrypt audio, text, and video interactions among individuals or groups. Throughout the process, communication and files are kept encrypted, providing secure collaboration in addition to secure communications.

How does End-to-End Encryption Work?

End-to-end encryption uses an asymmetric encryption model, also known as public-key cryptography. Cryptography is a method of protecting data by converting it into an unreadable format known as “ciphertext.” Only users who have a private key can decipher or decrypt the information into plaintext or a file, as the case may be.

Asymmetric encryption uses two cryptographic keys: public and private, to encrypt and decrypt data. The public key is used for data encryption, and the private key is used for data decryption. Both keys are required by the recipient to access the information or data. The public key is accessible to everyone on a network (for example, the email system at an organization), while the private key, as its name implies, is intended to remain secret so that only the intended recipient can decipher the information.

How does E2EE differ from other types of Encryption?

End-to-end encryption differs from other types in that it is asymmetrical, while other types are symmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption, also called single-key or secret-key encryption, offers an unbroken layer of encryption for transmitted data but encrypts the data with just one key. The key is a code, password, or string of randomly generated numbers that are re-sent to the recipient and allows them to decrypt the information.

However, if the key gets to a third party, then they can read, decode, or decrypt the information, no matter how strong or complex the key is. End-to-end encryption, on the other hand, creates an asymmetrical system that is more difficult to break or decipher by using two different keys: public and private keys.

Another uniqueness of end-to-end encryption is that it is intended to protect not only data at rest (on a server) but also data in transit. Data or communications are vulnerable to hijacking or interception as they move from one location or user to another. End-to-end encryption encrypts data or communication as it travels so that it never becomes unencrypted—it remains scrambled from the time it is sent to the time it is received. Anyone attempting to intercept the data will be unable to read it unless they have the designated decryption key, which only the authorized recipient has.

The Importance of E2EE

Big-Tech service providers such as Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft keep duplicates of the decryption keys. This means that these providers have access to users’ emails and files. Google has taken advantage of this access to profit from users’ private communications through targeted ads. Even Apple, which is well-known for its strong privacy policies, does not encrypt iCloud backups end-to-end. In other words, Apple stores keys that can be used to decrypt any data a user uploads to an iCloud backup.

A hacker or rogue employee could read everyone’s data if they somehow compromised Apple’s or Google’s systems and private keys (an admittedly difficult task). If any of the Big Tech was required to turn over data to the government, they would be able to access and hand over users’ data. These are the threats E2EE protects against.

Your data is secured, and your privacy is protected with E2EE. It safeguards your privacy from Big Tech as well as protects your data from hackers. In well-designed end-to-end encrypted systems, the decryption keys are never accessible to system providers.

For instance, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) has guidelines for using collaboration services, recommending that end-to-end encryption be used. According to the NSA, users can reduce their risk exposure and make themselves less lightly targets for criminals by adhering to the guidelines they specify.

Furthermore, the U.S. Security Department has also recognized the importance of end-to-end encryption, establishing rules that allow defense companies to share unclassified technical data with authorized individuals outside the United States, as long as the data is properly secured with end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encrypted data is not considered an export and does not require an export license. This is the prospect of cybersecurity, and it is currently operational using end-to-end encryption.

End-to-End Encryption Applications

End-to-end encryption is used in industries such as healthcare, finance, and communications where data security is critical. It is frequently used to assist businesses in complying with data privacy and security laws and regulations.

Also, payment service providers make use of end-to-end encryption for the security of sensitive information such as customer data and credit card details, and to comply with industry regulations that require that card numbers, security codes, and magnetic stripe data are well protected.

The growing popularity of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram has heightened interest in end-to-end encryption. They now use end-to-end encryption, which was not the case when the service first started. They provide security for sending photos, videos, locations, and voice messages. A signal protocol is used to transfer data from one device to another. This is a cryptographic protocol used in messenger services to communicate.

The HTTPS protocol is another type of secure end-to-end encryption on the web. This protocol is used by many websites to encrypt web servers and web browsers. It is also based on the end-to-end encryption model.

End-to-End Encryption Backdoors

A backdoor is a method of bypassing a system’s normal security measures. An encryption backdoor is a secret way of gaining access to data that has been locked by encryption. Some encryption backdoors are purposefully built into services to allow the service provider access to the encrypted data.

There have been a few cases where a service claimed to provide secure E2EE messaging but included a backdoor. They do this for various reasons, such as accessing users’ messages and scanning them for fraud or other illegal activities or generally spying on their users. If users want to keep their conversations private, they should be sure to carefully read the service’s terms of service and warrant canaries.

Some have proposed that E2EE service providers ought to incorporate backdoors into their encryption so that law enforcement agencies can have access to user data as needed. Data privacy advocates disagree with the proposal because backdoors weaken the goal of encryption and threaten user privacy.

Benefits of End-to-End Encryption

The benefits of end-to-end encryption include:

• Data Security: By using E2EE to secure your data, you reduce the risk of breaches or assaults, and stop ISP or government agencies from monitoring your online activities.
• Data Privacy: Your data or communications remain private and can’t even be decrypted by the provider.
• Information/Communication Integrity: E2EE guarantees that the communication is not tampered with or altered in any way as it is transferred from the sender to the recipient.
• Administrator Protection: Attacking administrators will not grant access to the decryption key or device, making this type of attack ineffective.
• Compliance: Companies benefit from E2EE as well by adhering to strict data protection guidelines and remaining compliant with data and consumer protection regulations.

Drawbacks of End-to-End Encryption

• Visible Metadata: Sensitive data such as send date and time are recorded in the metadata. Though E2EE can protect your message’s privacy and make it unreadable to potential eavesdroppers, it does not protect the metadata. Hackers could use metadata to extrapolate specific information.
• Endpoints Security: Encrypted data may be exposed if endpoints are compromised. The data are no longer secure if the device (either of the sender or the recipient) falls into the wrong hands and is not protected by some form of security, such as a PIN code, access pattern, or login requirement. Hackers could even use a compromised endpoint to steal encryption keys.
• Endpoints Definition Complexity: At certain points during transmission, several E2EE implementations allow the encrypted data to be decrypted and re-encrypted. As a result, it is critical to clearly define and differentiate the communication circuit’s endpoints.
• Illegal Data Sharing: Since service providers by law aren’t allowed to divulge user data without permission, law enforcement agencies worry that end-to-end encryption would shield users who share illegal content or carry out criminal activities.
• Encryption Backdoors: Whether or not companies design backdoors into their encryption systems on purpose, it’s a limitation on E2EE and hackers can use them to bypass encryption.

Conclusion

End-to-end encryption is the key feature that enables secure online communications, and it is currently the most secure method of sending and receiving data. Applications ranging from social media to digital payment systems such as cryptocurrency use end-to-end encryption as a security measure.

Also, end-to-end encryption is crucial for maintaining personal privacy and security because it restricts access to data by unauthorized parties. However, it is not a foolproof defense against every type of cyber attack but can be used to significantly mitigate cybersecurity risks.