Whether you’ve been reading about Facebook Messenger’s recent expansion of end-to-end encryption by default or wondering whether an SSL like a Namecheap SSL certificate[1] is really needed for your site, this article will shine a light on how encryption makes the Internet a safer place.
What is encryption
To start, what exactly is encryption? In the broadest terms, it is encoding data so that specific people can only read it. The process of encryption is known as cryptography. In cryptography, data is encrypted and decrypted using an encryption algorithm called a cipher. If you think of the cipher as a key, it locks (encrypts) and unlocks (decrypts) information so that it can only be accessed by those with the correct key. In terms of sending a message, if it’s intercepted at any step along the way, the malicious actor won’t be able to read its information because they don’t have the correct cipher. To them, it will just be a jumble of characters that makes no sense.
So how does this work on websites?
The importance of website encryption
Installing an SSL certificate on your website’s servers will facilitate an encrypted connection for anyone visiting your website via a web browser. Before their browser connects to your server, they will engage in a process known as the TLS handshake, during which they validate and authenticate each other and exchange secret keys with which they will use to encrypt and decrypt messages. Only the parties at each end of the connection have access to these keys. So if a user sends sensitive data like personal details or credit card information, hackers trying to steal it won’t be able to because they don’t have the secret keys. This is why SSL certificates are vital for all websites.
Why you should choose an encrypted messaging app
When you communicate with people using a messaging app that isn’t encrypted, nothing either of you says is private. Maybe you don’t see an issue with that, but if you are discussing anything of a sensitive nature, it could be used against you later. If anyone hacks into your account, they will be able to see everything you’ve discussed. Furthermore, law enforcement have been known to request messaging data from apps without encryption, which these companies have happily handed over. If you’re cautious about online privacy, using an app with end-to-end encryption is a must. Even better if the messages are backed-up in secure storage.
Conclusion
With online privacy and security being a growing concern for many, encryption has become more critical than ever. Make sure you’re safe as can be online by only visiting sites with SSL certificates and communicating via apps with end-to-end encryption enabled.
References
- ^ Namecheap SSL certificate (www.namecheap.com)