By Larry Wright
Introduction
Modern times have changed the whole meaning of communication. Inventions and innovation over time have developed such a strong mode of communication that you can contact and text anyone from any corner of the globe. The internet is the binding glue of this system. Even though the modern system is quite accessible, cheap, and convenient but the security department has been compromised for a large chunk of time since the inception of mobile phones and the internet.
Imagine texting or calling someone while an uninvited third-party is supervising and eavesdropping on that conversation. Activities as such have been witnessed by some governments and agencies, which led to the insecurities of the masses. Eventually, a system of end-to-end encryption was developed to tackle the ongoing tinkering with the data of the general public. Since then, a riot has started between service providers and users regarding the privacy of data and who can or cannot access it.
Many forms of encryption have surfaced to ensure user satisfaction, but the end-to-end encryption theory stood out from all the other ideas. The ideology that not even the server or middleman can see or access consumer’s data seemed unreal to many, but it still was developed and finally adopted by every social application on the web.
What is End-to-End Encryption?
The theory of end-to-end encryption is to encrypt and private all the data being transferred in online communication. The growing demand for the privacy and security of online platforms was heard clearly by software developer Phil Zimmerman. Phil took the responsibility of developing software that encrypts the private data being shared on the internet; hence it cannot be seen by anyone but the people it is shared with. The software PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) was a big hit and was adopted by many in the 1990s.
2013 was the year that is highlighted due to the uproar it brought in the public on the privacy of data. The Snowden incident about a computer programmer who leaked the ways US intelligence spied on people greatly sparked internet users, and rage ensued in people. This led to the practical application of E2EE in social apps and websites; hence the users can freely browse and use the internet without the prowling eyes of any third party.
Unencrypted Messages
Installing an online socialization platform or communication application on a mobile phone will require you to set up your account. After the regular account registration, the communication part of the platform comes forward. The message you write is posted to the online address of the receiver. The address is verified and supervised by the third party running the application, and finally, the message is forwarded to its destination.
The online communication platform or application makes the process many times easier, but at the same time, your precious data is at the mercy of the service provider. The client-server model, in this case, puts all the load on the shoulders of the server; hence the validity of the server matters a lot.
In simple words, the transport of the message between the stops needs to be encrypted. The first stop is the sender and server, while the other is the server and receiver. In most cases, the encryption of these stops is guaranteed by the incorporation of Transport Layer Security. TLS assures the privacy of the connections that are included in the online socializing application.
Security measures like TLS strengthen the streamline of the communication between the server and sender to the degree that it cannot be accessed by a random invader or hacker. But the privacy issues are beyond hacking from the outside. The liberties of the servers are needed to be limited to restrict anyone other than the receiver from reading messages. End-to-end encryption takes care of the server problem by not allowing even the middleman to read or tinker with the messages.
The storing and preservation of users’ data is one of the primary concerns as well. It is very common for an application to save their user’s information, and it has damaged the privacy of many people over the years. End-to-end encryption puts an end to all the insecurities associated with unencrypted systems.
Working of End-to-End Encryption
The ideal security solution you might be looking for is where you can send any type of message containing any file, and yet the server cannot analyze your message. End-to-end encryption does just that for you.
Key exchange is something that can be used to keep the path of communication strong and still share the data. Otherwise, online platforms like Whatsapp have created an atmosphere where the data is not even be approached by the server. The decryption of any message is limited to the senders and recipients only.
Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange
Cryptographers Whitfield Diffie, Martin Hellman, and Ralph Merkle came up with the concept of Diffie-Hellman key exchange. Usually, online atmospheres are not friendly for sending files or messages to your friends. The Diffie-Hellman key exchange is a solution for communication in such environments.
Diffie-Hellman revolutionized the online communication system in insecure platforms as well. The key exchange works exceptionally well in the most hostile of the platforms on the internet, requiring little adjustments instead of physical key exchanges between people. Hence, the connection and messages are saved between sender and reliever, only creating a bubble of its own.
Public and Private Key Cryptography
A public key can be differentiated from a private key as it is instrumental in encrypting the data from the sender’s part. The public key is critical in the encryption process that will maintain the privacy and invisibility of the message till it reaches its destination. The public key always has a private key as its pair. The most satisfying part for users about the public key is that even if it is leaked or cracked by an aspiring hacker, it contains no more value than a garbage can as it is worthless without its partner’s private key. The threads of public keys in asymmetric algorithms are way long for hackers to practically compute them. The bit value of the key weighs enough to discourage the invading party.
The private key is the one that needs to be kept in a vault. This key in the pair is the one that is used by the receiver to decrypt the encrypted message. The sharing of a private key can be detrimental for the sender as all their messages and files can be compromised in the platform being used.
Advantages and Disadvantages of End-to-End Encryption
Advantages
Without a doubt, E2EE is your go-to security protocol no matter what device you are using. Not only does this software encrypts your daily chats, but it is also impressively accessible. The quality of security E2EE offers has made the whole world depends on the service that puts the users on the right track while executing their daily tasks and communicating stress-free.
The argument regarding the criminal activities that have been encouraged due to the tightly knit atmosphere developed by E2EE is overshadowed by the reality that any security bubble can be burst, and past events have proved just that. Hence, the intelligence agencies could segment the small group of suspect accounts and invade them rather than gaining access to all the accounts and compromising the data of innocent people for no particular reason.
The quality of the security and privacy provided by the end-to-end encryption tool is fantastic in the sense that even if the barriers of a network or account are risked and compromised, the invading party cannot tinker with the exposed data in detail. Although privacy is still compromised, the E2EE contains most of the information from hackers keeping the walls around the servers compact even in desperate situations.
Disadvantages
End-to-end encryption is a solution that is controversial for some due to its compact and tight, streamlined communication system. A few users would not prefer end-to-end encryption due to the fact that it demands a security key which might become hectic with time. Although, the fact remains that the incorporation of end-to-end encryption guarantees the privacy of data no matter what the preferences of the user are. Hence, even this can be only be considered a con if the security of your data restricts you in the way you wish to access your contacts.
Another argument that has surfaced under the cons heading of end-to-end encryption is that it can or does support the activities and agendas of anti-state groups. Under the umbrella of end-to-end encryption, the opposing groups or communities can pursue plans that can harm the prospects of an entire nation and its people. The public opposed E2EE for the purpose of national safety as any organization could use the safety net of end-to-end encryption constantly under the radar of intelligence agencies. The only solution to such concerns would be to allow government forces access to decrypt the data, which defeats the whole purpose of E2EE.
The critical information to note here is that the data or messages being decrypted or encrypted are visible for a short period in online applications. It would be wrong to suggest that communication applications are 100% encrypted. Especially when the information is being transferred from one device to another, the invisibility of the data could be compromised for a short time.
This might not be a proper con or disadvantage of E2EE but more of a security measure when dealing with this encryption solution. Always keep your device secure with a PIN code because even if you have protected your data via end-to-end encryption, your smartphone could be stolen, or a hacker could invade your account. End-to-end encryption cannot deal with a crisis like this, and your data could be compromised. Sometimes, even E2EE cannot identify or catch viruses on the device that could penetrate your communication barriers in a matter of seconds, and your data will not be private anymore.
One of the other safety measures you should consider is the verification of the receiver’s account. It might seem like you are sending your friend a thread of messages with the key to decrypt them while the supposed friend turns out to be the person you wished to avoid all along. Now, not only does the “enemy” has the secret data but also the key to decrypt all your conversations just because you were a little lazy. Even this problem does not lie under the jurisdiction of E2EE because the security software cannot differentiate the identity of the impostor from the legitimate account if the key has been compromised.
If a similar mishap has occurred to you or anyone in your circle, it can be avoided by the integration of additional software or applications that incorporates QR codes into your smart devices, adding an extra layer of safety to user’s communications. The QR codes are versions of the E2EE keys that can be shared offline with your legit contacts to avoid further confusion or unfortunate incidents.
End-to-End Encryption Backdoors
Encryption backdoors are the hidden passages that can be valuable in desperate events. The backdoors in this situation are like fire exits to be used only during a critical situation when no other alternative is impactful. The difference is that the fire exit path or door is known to a few people, including the service providers. Another purpose of the encryption backdoor is to maintain the security standards of the platform but still keep a check on illegal activities. This goes against the concept of end-to-end encryption, but it gives satisfaction to intelligence agencies as there is no other sound substitute.
The concept of encryption backdoors and its development is to keep a tab on fraudulent and criminal propaganda, but sometimes the fraudulent masterminds are the backdoors builders themselves. Application developers or service providers might use peek through the so-called backdoors to digest the secret information of users and use it for their illegal plans. Hence, a user must double-check the demands and conditions of online platforms before signing upon them.
A great chunk of the public demands the closure of encryption backdoors as it violates the end-to-end encryption narrative and targets people’s sensitive and private data. Even though the idea behind these secret doors is to limit illegal and criminal activities but still the purpose of E2EE and its application dies.
Applications that are Using E2EE
Here are some of the mainstream applications that adopt the end-to-end encryption mode:
- Signal
The Signal is an online communication application that is available on both apple and android devices. This application does not compromise security by encrypting the whole network and server. Whether it’s a voice message or a text you are sending, Signal makes sure it is encrypted and decrypted by the right people through the concept of end-to-end encryption.
- Threema
Threema is another social application that encourages the E2EE model. The platform uses the NaCl cryptography tool to accommodate encryption of the server and users’ data. Threema does not demand your associated email or phone numbers to register but entitles the user with a unique ID to pursue using the application. This maintains the anonymity of the consumer and keeps the data even more secure.
One of the most widely used smartphone applications in the world also believes in the E2EE model. The encryption narrative of WhatsApp is one of the primary factors that makes it a persuading and only option for the masses that consume Facebook daily.
- Telegram
Telegram gained popularity when the WhatsApp controversy started regarding the violation of users’ data. Since then, Telegram has attracted a big chunk of previous consumers of WhatsApp solely because of its strong E2EE model promising the privacy of users’ information 24 hours a day.
- Facebook Messenger
Messenger is the direct private messaging department for Facebook users. It is also based on the E2EE foundation. Users can call each other or video chat without stressing about their data’s violation issues.
Conclusion
End-to-end encryption brought a new life to the modern way of communications. People started to believe in the power of online communication again. Giants like WhatsApp even had to bow before the E2EE model. The general public has been pretty happy with the way chats and calls are being executed on online platforms now.
General awareness of encrypting sensitive data is also spreading throughout the globe. People are demanding even more secure platforms and existing platforms to add extra layers of security. Many android and IOS applications are incorporating their own built software and tools to attract people by promising extra security and privacy.
Even though the practical application of E2EE has shaken the whole world and made the service providers revisit their applications’ priorities, the fact remains that E2EE is not resistant to every invasion on the internet. Backdoors compromise the whole foundation of applications at times. However, E2EE and its adoption save the user from major and most minor cyberattacks. Hence, it is not optional but necessary that you adopt the E2EE model as well in your smart devices and application to dodge potential harms of the internet.