Companies are using end-to-end encryption worldwide to protect the files and communications their employees share. Why do many IT professionals choose end-to-end encryption when many other tools and services safeguard data at rest and in transit? It’s because of its unique benefits and the fact that it does so well.
What’s End-to-End Encryption?
End-to-end encryption works the same way that standard encryption does: it scrambles the data so that it can’t be read until a unique decryption key is used to untangle it. Usually, standard client-to-server encryption protects data at rest in a single place, which it does well. End-to-end encryption is different because it is made to protect not only data sitting still but also data moving.
As information or messages move from one place or user to another, they can be stolen or intercepted. With end-to-end encryption, the information or contact is encrypted as it moves from one place to another, so it is never decrypted. From the time it is sent to the time it is received, it stays scrambled. If someone other than the intended recipient tries to steal the data, they won’t be able to read it unless they have the correct decryption key, which only the intended recipient has.
With end-to-end encryption, files shared between users or from a central source are encrypted. It also encrypts the text, voice, and video chats that employees have with each other. Files and communications stay encrypted throughout the whole process. This makes it possible to communicate securely and work together securely.
End-to-end encryption has 6 main benefits
End-to-end encryption can help businesses of all shapes and sizes in many ways. Here are some of the most important ones.
Ensures Data Privacy
McKinsey says that 71 percent of consumers would stop doing business with companies that misused their personal information. Consumers worry about how their private information is used by the companies, technologies, and other places they give it. Concerns about data privacy led to the passing of the EU’s General Data Protection (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other laws meant to protect consumer data.
Standard encryption can maintain the privacy of stored consumer data. Still, end-to-end encryption is needed to protect consumer data as it moves from one place to another and private information is shared in company communications.
improves the quality of the data
Without end-to-end encryption, data could be changed by people who shouldn’t be able to while it’s in transit. End-to-end encryption protects against this kind of data tampering, ensuring that an organization’s data stays the same no matter where it’s stored or who has access to it.
It keeps unauthorized people from getting into any part of the workflow
End-to-end encryption is the only way to prevent unauthorized access to data at any point in the workflow. Malicious people could try to get into an organization’s data by breaking into an on-premises server, intercepting data going to or coming from the cloud, or taking over user communications and file sharing. End-to-end encryption makes sure that the data can’t be used. Even if someone breaks into an organization’s system, they won’t be able to use any encrypted data stored there.
Increases cloud security
Most cloud storage companies encrypt the data they hold, but not all protect it while transmitting to or from the cloud. Worse yet, many cloud service providers store critical decryption keys in the cloud, giving them prime targets for cybercriminals with knowledge.
End-to-end encryption is better because it encrypts data both when it’s at rest and when it’s in motion, and it keeps decryption keys not in the cloud but on each user’s device. If you want to store data in the cloud in the safest way, use end-to-end encryption.
Allows secure remote work
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the number of people working from home has grown more than three times. Since remote workers need to have the same access to the files, communication, and teamwork as office workers, keeping all of these chats and files safe from people looking to take advantage is essential.
End-to-end encryption is the only sure way to keep work done from afar safe. End-to-end encryption is used by the most secure companies today as part of their communications strategy and to store and share files securely in the cloud for their remote workers.
Protects the reputation of your business
If a data breach or malware attack happens to your business, it hurts your bottom line and reputation. The better you can keep your organization’s reputation, the better you can safeguard your important data and communications.
You don’t want to get a name for being careless with customer information. When you use end-to-end encryption to protect all your data and communications, you build a reputation as a responsible company that takes security seriously.
