Securing your personal browsing data also includes conversations with your relatives through email clients but not only. This page will simply address the issue of end-to-end encryption.
Even if you don’t need to be good at computers and master all the protocols to know how to use a virtual private network, understanding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and its applications can be useful because it is, in part, the basis of a reliable VPN
Encryption is the act of encoding a message so that only the intended recipient can understand it. Encryption software turns your message into a completely undecipherable sequence called ciphertext.
Even if someone gets hold of your message, they will not be able to access the data unless they have the key to decode it.AES-256 is virtually impossible to decrypt because it uses 256-bit keys
that generate more combinations than can be calculated with the machines we have today.
E2EE: What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) encrypts a message along its entire path. It remains encrypted as it passes through servers, so neither your ISP nor any third party can access it.
Designed to be tamper-proof, this communication system is widely used by companies because it prevents data tampering. The information is safe in what is called a VPN tunnel.
How to achieve end-to-end encryption?
You can install it yourself, but it is a rather complex procedure that requires advanced computer knowledge.
E2EE plays an important role in secure instant messaging clients. Signal is a good example.
It is also very useful to protect your mails. ProtonMail or Tutanota offer very good services in this area.
VPN with the highest level of encryption
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- ProtonVPN
Types of encryption
There are 2 main types of encryption used today”
Symmetric
Symmetric encryption occurs when a sender and a receiver use only the same private encryption key to encrypt and decrypt encrypted information. Since this key is shared by both parties, it is possible to intercept it if the connection through which the information is exchanged is not secure.
Asymmetric
Asymmetric encryption uses a more advanced method to protect data. The information will be encrypted and decrypted using two keys, one private and one public. The public key is common to both the sender and the receiver. The private key is unique to each party. In other words, both participants in the conversation are unaware of each other’s key.
This method is more secure in the sense that in order to intercept and decrypt a packet of information, one must hold both keys. Unfortunately, without a secure connection, there is always a risk that both keys will eventually be discovered.
Possible threats
E2EE does not protect computers, smartphones or tablets. Indeed, without adequate protection, your hardware remains vulnerable to certain malware.
Some email clients may not encrypt their backup data.
For example, WhatsApp offers E2EE, but does not encrypt the backup messages it stores on Google Drive servers. This means that Google can access your log.
Despite these potential vulnerabilities, E2EE remains one of the most reliable tools for ensuring data privacy and security. We recommend that you use applications with E2EE whenever possible.
Don’t forget common online protection practices such as avoiding suspicious attachments, emails, downloads. Also remember to update your antivirus software.
