Do you use messaging apps like WhatsApp only to notice a new admin message appear in a chat? “Messages you sent to this chat and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption.” While many who use universal messaging apps to keep in touch with family and friends over different devices might be quick to dismiss this message, the end-to-end encryption of messages is actually pretty important.
Encryption is the process of encoding information in a way that only authorized parties, (those possessing a key for decryption) can access it. The encryption of a message does not necessarily prevent someone else from getting the message, but rather makes sure the only person that can read it, is the person that message is intended for. In today’s world, where privacy online is becoming a more and more of an issue, it’s important to understand how encryption works and why it is important.
Take iMessage for example. Techcrunch does a much better job at explaining end-to-end encryption but essentially when you send a message from your device, even though it is travelling through Apple’s public server, it is encrypted into something that only the other party’s device knows how to decrypt make readable.
But encryption goes beyond the world of data-based messaging apps to impact privacy online in many more contexts.
Recently, Mozilla has launched an advocacy program designed to raise awareness about encryption and why controlling personal information is so key. They also have developed projects like Let’s Encrypt, a free and open access Web certificate authority dedicated to making running an encrypted website easy for anyone.
It’s important to be aware of encryption in order to protect our personal information and keep ourselves secure online. Mozilla has also published 7 Encryption and Privacy Tips to raise awareness and instruct the public about the importance of encryption. As the battle over online surveillance wages on, it has become more important than ever to have people informed about encryption ready to stand up and fight to protect their privacy online.
Are all of the messages you send on a daily basis safely encrypted?
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