What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a security method that ensures data remains encrypted from the moment it is sent until it is received by the intended recipient. This means that no third parties - including service providers, hackers or governments - can access the data in transit. Only the sender and receiver have the necessary encryption keys to decrypt the information. 

This type of encryption is especially used in communication platforms such as messaging services, emails and cloud storage to protect privacy and sensitive information. It ensures that even if an attacker intercepts data during transmission, they will only be able to see an unintelligible string of characters as they lack the necessary key to decrypt the content.

How end-to-end encryption works

End-to-end encryption uses advanced cryptographic algorithms to protect data. The process typically works like this:

1. Key generation: When a user connects or sends a message, a unique set of encryption keys is generated.
2. Encrypting data: Before data leaves the sender's device, it is encrypted with a public key that can only be decrypted with the recipient's private key.
3. Data transfer: The encrypted data is sent over the internet but remains inaccessible to third parties.
4. Decryption at the recipient: Once the data arrives at the intended recipient, the private key is used to decrypt the content and make it readable again.

This process makes it impossible for unauthorised people to access the data, as only the intended recipient has the necessary key to unlock the information.

Benefits of end-to-end encryption

End-to-end encryption has many benefits, especially at a time when data protection has become a global concern:

• High security: Even if data is intercepted during transmission, it cannot be read without the necessary decryption key.
• Privacy protection: Third parties, including governments and service providers, cannot monitor the content of messages or files.
• Data leak prevention: Hackers who gain access to a server cannot decrypt end-to-end protected data.
• Communication integrity: E2EE ensures that messages and files cannot be altered or manipulated by unauthorised parties during transmission.

Challenges of end-to-end encryption

While end-to-end encryption is a strong security measure, there are also some challenges:

• Lost access: If a user loses their private key, data cannot be recovered as no one else has access to decrypt it.
• Limited monitoring: Companies and authorities may find it difficult to monitor illegal activities as they cannot access encrypted communications.
• Performance requirements: Encryption and decryption require computing power, which can affect system performance on older devices.
• Deployment complexity: Not all systems support E2EE and it can be challenging to implement correctly without security holes.

Application areas for end-to-end encryption

End-to-end encryption is used in a variety of digital services where protection of communication and data is essential. One of the most common uses is in messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and iMessage, which use E2EE to ensure that conversations remain private and inaccessible to unauthorised parties.

In email communication, encryption technologies like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) are used to protect emails so that only the intended recipient can read the content. This is especially important for businesses and individuals who handle sensitive information.

Cloud storage also benefits from end-to-end encryption. Services like Tresorit and MEGA encrypt files so they remain protected even if the cloud provider is compromised. This ensures that only the user has access to their data.

In the banking and financial sector, encryption plays an essential role in protecting financial transactions and login details. Strong encryption prevents criminals from intercepting or misusing sensitive financial data, making fraud and identity theft more difficult.

How end-to-end encryption differs from other encryption methods

End-to-end encryption differs from other forms of encryption, such as transport layer encryption (TLS/SSL), which protects data in transit between devices and servers, but does not prevent the service provider from accessing the content.

For example, many email providers use transport encryption to protect emails during sending, but the message content itself can still be read by the email provider. With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and recipient can decrypt the email, providing a higher level of security.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions