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End-to-End Encryption

A system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages, preventing third parties from accessing the content.

AbbreviationE2EE
Categorysecurity

Overview

In E2EE, data is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device. Even the service provider facilitating the communication cannot access the plaintext content.

How it Works

Uses a system of digital keys where the sender encrypts data for a specific recipient, and only that recipient possesses the key required to unlock it.

Common Uses

  • Secure messaging (Signal, WhatsApp).
  • Secure email (ProtonMail).
  • File storage encryption.

Related Terms

Zero Trust Architecture