Just like the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) this is a secure process that prevents any unnecessary third party interference when transferring your data or communicating from one device to another. The information is coded or encrypted on the sender’s device and is only decoded or decrypted at the intended recipient’s device. On its destination while the data is traveling, it cannot be read or modified in its journey by any internet service provider (ISP), application service provider, hacker or any other service through illegal means. Data encryption can be done through algorithms which convert standard text formats into unreadable characters.

The encryption keys have the authority to scramble data so that any unlicensed users cannot acquire your personal information. End-to-end protection takes a step ahead by securing your data from the start to the end point of transmission. Many popular messaging apps like Zoom, WhatsApp and Facebook allow end-to-end protection which has been a rather debatable topic for the providers of these apps cannot share user information with authorities and this facilitates private messaging for people involved in unlawful activities.

How does end-to-end protection work?

This is done through cryptographic keys which encrypt and decrypt messages at the end points of servers. Cryptography is the process through which information is protected by converting it into an unreadable format called ciphertext and the users possessing the key can decipher this text into plaintext. This is done through an asymmetric and public key which encrypts and decrypts data based on two separate cryptographic keys that can be shared with others. THis message can be understood by a private decryption key. Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption protocol keeps third parties from intercepting messages in transit. People then use the key to decode messages and send it back to the owner of the public key.

In online communications there is almost always an intermediary which handles messages between the two parties involved in the exchange. This intermediary belongs to servers of the ISP, telecommunications or other organizations. The public key system of the end-to-end protection ensures that no intermediary can obtain your personal information that is in transit. To guarantee that the public key is a legitimate key created by the recipient to incorporate the public key in a certificate that has been digitally signed by a recognized certificate authority (CA). The CA’s public key is widely distributed and known and a certificate signed by the public key can undoubtedly be assumed as authentic. The certificate contains the recipient’s name and public key which is why the CA won’t sign a certificate with a different public key under the same name.

How is end-to-end protection used?

This is used when data security is essential especially in healthcare, communications and finance sectors. Companies can follow the guidelines for data security and privacy. Secure communication is utilized by messaging apps like Signal and mobile radio standards like TETRA by end-to-end encryption to keep the conversations between its users private. Email systems can be figured for E2EE , too, but it requires Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption configuration. Password managers like 1Password, BitWarden, Dashlane and LastPass use E2EE to protect a user's passwords. However, here the user is at both ends and is the only person possessing the key. In terms of data storage service providers can also offer E2EE in transit in a cloud storage setting, safeguarding users' data from anyone, including the cloud service provider. Similarly, electronic point-of-sale (POS) system providers would instill E2EE for protecting sensitive information such as the customer credit card data.

Advantages of end-to-end protection