Web Security Encryption Methods and the Importance of End to End Encryption
Protecting your information! Whether its on the job or your personal information during online communication is paramount! Encryption is the cornerstone of web security making sure your data is protected! We will discuss commonly used encryption methods and dive into the role of end to end encryption.
What is Encryption?
Encryption is a method of converting your plain text into coded format called ciphertext to prevent unauthorized access. Only the given party with the right decryption key can change the ciphertext back to its readable form! Encryption is great for securing online communication, banking transactions, and other stored data.
Encryption Methods
Symmetric Encryption
A single key is used for both of the encryption and decryption.
The common algorithms used during this are called Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES).
File encryption, disk encryption, and data transmission with in the trusted networks.
Faster than asymmetric methods for larger data sets.
The secure key distribution can be challenging.
Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric encryption has two keys a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
The common algorithms used are Rivest Shamair Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC).
Uses email encryption, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) for the website connections.
Better security for key distribution.
Slower than symmetric encryption which is less effective for larger data volumes.
Hashing
Hashing changes data into an actual fixed size hash value but it cant be changed back to its original form.
Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) and Message Digest 5 (MD5)
Good for password storage and data integrity checking.
Good for verifying data integrity.
If the algorithm is outdated it can be vulnerable to brute force and some collision attacks.
What Is End to End Encryption?
E2EE is a system where data is encrypted on the sender's device and can ONLY be decrypted by the specific user. Even internet service providers or platform operators cant access the plain text!
How It Works
Both sender and receiver generate public and private keys.
The sender encrypts a message using the users public key.
The encrypted message travels through the network.
The user decrypts the message using their private key.
The Good
Makes sure that only the specific party can read the messages.
It will protect against tampering during the transmission.
It will prevent unauthorized access even if the network is down or compromised.
The Bad and The Ugly
Not all devices and software platforms support E2EE.
It does encrypt the message but the actual metadata IE the sender receiver details might still be accessible.
Conclusion
Encryption has a very important role in securing digital communication. Between symmetric, asymmetric, and end to end encryption methods are great tools for safeguarding information based on the requirements of the users and applications. As cyber threats evolve so will our commitment to encryption practices!
Sources
https://www.aspirationhosting.com/website-security-features/
https://www.ssl2buy.com/cybersecurity/end-to-end-encryption-e2ee
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/encryption.htm
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/security/encryption/what-types-of-encryption-are-there/
https://www.clickssl.net/blog/what-is-symmetric-encryption
https://www.clickssl.net/blog/what-is-asymmetric-encryption
https://www.ssl2buy.com/wiki/difference-between-hashing-and-encryption
https://certera.com/blog/what-is-end-to-end-encryption-e2ee-how-does-it-work/
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