End-to-end encryption: The benefits of E2EE for your projects

Faced with the threats of cybercrime, the respect for our privacy and the confidentiality of our data are constantly put at risk. Computer software publishers are constantly developing ever more secure tools and solutions in order to protect your data from possible attacks.

In recent years, end-to-end encryption has emerged. Increasingly used, it is more effective than traditional encryption systems to secure your files and conversations.

Find out what it is, how it works and what are the benefits of your projects.

What is end-to-end encryption?

Also called end to end encryption or E2EE in English, end-to-end encryption is the most secure encryption method that exists today.

It is a system that protects the content of your messages and all your files (videos, photos, online conversations, etc.) by making them unreadable to anyone else who is not the recipient. Access and service providers themselves are unable to decipher the conversations and documents exchanged.

So, end-to-end encryption guarantees you maximum security. It is designed to resist any attempt at surveillance or falsification, since no one is able to decipher the data communicated or stored. Another advantage: companies that offer end-to-end encryption services are unable to deliver a decrypted version of their customers' messages to the authorities.

For example, WhatsApp, one of the largest messaging applications in the world, has been using end-to-end encryption to secure its users' messages since April 2016. According to WhatsApp, “your WhatsApp messages are protected with a padlock, and only you and the recipient have the special key that allows you to unlock and read your messages.”

Not all communication systems use end-to-end encryption (often because they don't support it). The problem is that they can't guarantee that communications between their clients and servers are protected. Users must then trust intermediaries (the people who manage the servers) regarding the confidentiality of their messages. End-to-end encryption is considered more secure because it decreases the number of actors who can intercept, decode, or modify conversations.

How does it work?

Coded messages have existed since the dawn of time. In times of war as in times of peace, the powerful of this world have always communicated via secret codes to transmit important and confidential information to each other.

In today's digital world, computers and technology make it easy for us to code our messages for us. This is called “encryption.” According to Surveillance Self-Defense, “Encryption is a process that makes a message unreadable, except for a person who can “decipher” it so that it can be read again.”

A traditional encryption system works with a single key to encrypt and decrypt a message. Conversely, end-to-end encryption uses a tool called public key cryptography, which means it uses two keys: one to encrypt and the other to decrypt.

The principle:

• A sender, let's call him Marc, has a public key that he sends to the recipient of his messages, called Alice.
• This public key will allow Alice to encrypt the messages she wants to send to Marc. Anyone who has Marc's public key is in a position to encrypt messages for him.
• To decipher Alice's messages, Marc has another key, called a private key.
• Thus, only Marc and Alice are able to decipher the messages they are sending to each other respectively. Intermediaries such as email services, Internet service providers, and prying eyes on the network can see the messages go by, but they are unable to read them because the messages are made unreadable by end-to-end encryption.

Attention, the private key is very important and you must ensure its security, because if you lose or delete it by mistake, you will no longer be able to decode the coded messages you receive. If a malicious person comes into possession of your private key, they could read and write your messages pretending to be you.

What are the benefits of your projects?

All companies are required to work on sensitive projects. In this case, “sensitive” means that the information processed must remain confidential. These can be confidential and strategic projects, both internally and externally. For example, the reorganization of a department and the elimination of a certain number of positions, the merger or acquisition of a company, the development of a new product or the change of strategy of your company to better stand out from competitors.

Whatever the project, it must remain secret. It is therefore imperative to work with secure tools and software, which will be able to protect your conversations, files and all your data against various threats such as data leaks and falsifications, the theft of passwords, computers or hosting equipment, or the theft of passwords, computers or hosting equipment or intrusion.

End-to-end encryption has two main benefits:

• Your data is protected against hacking or theft: even if a malicious person manages to break into your system or steal one of your devices, your data remains completely unreadable.
• You have control over who is allowed to read your messages and files.

Conclusion

Today, end-to-end encryption is one of the most effective ways to protect your data.

For maximum security, equip your company or community with secure project management software such as Wimi Armoured. This highly secure collaborative platform allows you to collaborate effectively on all your projects, even the most sensitive ones. Wimi Armoured uses unique technologies to code the information in your projects, regardless of their level of confidentiality. Your exchanges are secure, your data is encrypted and using the solution is very simple.

In addition to end-to-end encryption, Wimi Armoured has many security advantages such as hosting your data in France or reinforced authentication. Specific measures put in place to maintain the confidentiality of your data and protect it from the threats of cybercrime.