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But how does end-to-end encryption work?

Should you be using it?

A digital image depicting end to end encryption via three padlocks surrounded by glowing lines and code

In this article, well fill you in on all you better know about end-to-end encryption.

What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption is generally considered the safest and most private way to communicate over a internet.

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Its a secure method of sending information that encrypts your data before it’s sent.

This is the same technology that keeps thebest VPNssecure.

Its also safer than encryption in transit, which only secures your data while its being moved between devices.

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In fact, end-to-end encryption is so secure that themessaging services that use it have faced controversy.

How does end-to-end encryption work?

The encrypting and decrypting process uses a unique pair of keys to scramble and unscramble a message.

A digital image depicting end to end encryption with a padlock in a bubble surrounded by code

One key is used to encrypt a message, while the other is used to decrypt it.

All of this happens without the sender or recipient having to do anything.

This is a public key that can be shared without compromising the security of your message.

Encryption graphic

But the decryption key is private and can therefore only be accessed by the recipient of the message.

The private key is stored on the users unit, so its never put on the cloud.

This means things sent using E2EE will always stay safe from cyber attacks likeman in the middle attacks.

ExpressVPN

Should I use end-to-end encryption?

However, its important to note that not all messaging apps use end-to-end encryption.

There are also some VPNs that go beyond this andoffer post-quantum encryption.

Illustration of a VPN installed on a mobile phone, network strength symbol, location markers, and cogs.

This includes thebest VPN servicebased on our testing,NordVPN.

Wed recommendopting for a paid-for service rather than a free VPN.

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