Many of you have probably already noticed a pop-up window with the inscription “Information is protected by end-to-end encryption”.
This notification is prescribed by most instant messengers when creating a new chat or accessing an existing one. But what is end-to-end encryption, and why is it needed?
End-to-end encryption - definition in simple words
Incoming and outgoing calls, audio and text messages, pictures and videos - absolutely all information in the chat is protected by end-to-end encryption. With it, the data will not be able to fall into unauthorized hands, because. available exclusively to two or more interlocutors participating in the chat. This is especially important when transferring data over open or unreliable networks such as the Internet or public Wi-Fi networks.
Encryption keys are available only to the participants in the conversation, so only they can enter the conversation and continue interacting with each other. Yes, yes, anyone can receive a personal encryption code for their personal correspondence with an individual contact or group. To find it, just enter the “Contact Details” menu, where you go to the “Encryption” section. Here you will see a key in the form of 60 digits or a QR code required for activation.
This key is the security code for your data, but only the visible part of it is available for viewing. This is because absolutely any message or audio recording is equipped with its own lock / key complexes. They do not require additional settings, the application assigns the code automatically.
Promoting end-to-end encryption
Former CIA and National Security Agency officer Edward Snowden revealed in 2013 that the US government was monitoring every call made by users. In addition, text messages were monitored.
The first giants who wanted to give their users the opportunity to live a private and secure life on the network were Apple and Facebook. Since then, end-to-end encryption has become almost ubiquitous.
Does end-to-end encryption guarantee security in all messengers?
Unfortunately, this is indeed a moot point. Edward Snowden in the same 2013 figured out that there is a so-called backdoor in Skype. This is software that bypasses encryption. Officially, every Skype message is protected, but this does not prevent them from transferring all the necessary data from chats to the US National Security Agency.
But other messengers still care about the anonymity of their users. For example, Telegram already has an account self-destruct feature. That is, if a person does not use his account for several years, all information along with correspondence is automatically deleted. All this is spelled out in the law on the “right to be forgotten”, because if the correspondence is conducted for a long time, some of the information may already be irrelevant or illegal.
WhatsApp has another bald spot in security. When a user calls through this application, you can easily calculate the real IP address. Normally, this should look like a secure scheme, where each message / call in the messenger establishes links with the company's server. This prevents obtaining information about the IP address of all participants in the chat.
The main problem of all messengers is the standard registration using a mobile phone number. All special services already have access to all databases of numbers. In addition, they may send various messages on your behalf. In this case, they will not be displayed in any way. For your own protection, double-check your account activity from other devices. This feature is already available in some messengers and will help you protect yourself.
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