A Brief Insight Into How Encrypted Messaging Apps Work
Encrypted messaging apps are a boon to the world, as they provide the security and privacy that people would like to have when making use of their smartphones. We know that the encrypted apps we make use of are equipped with end-to-end encryption and that our messages are safe. But have you ever wondered how do messaging apps work? How do these apps function and what procedures they follow in order to safeguard our private conversations?
The reason that encrypted messaging apps are much more valued and trusted is that they work in a way that is different as compared to the usual ones.
How do encrypted messaging apps work?
Encrypted messaging apps make use of a specific algorithm. The apps form a code following a specific pattern which cannot be accessed by anyone else. The code can only be decrypted by a special key, which is only accessible by the receiver of the message. This makes it impossible for third parties to get a hold of the message.
1. Ensures security
Since encrypted apps make use of codes to encrypt their messages, the contents of the messages remain private. This is a great function of these apps as they eliminate the possibilities of hacking. Any third party trying to intercept the message will gain absolutely nothing, as the contents of the message are anyways hidden. All they can view is a random number of characters that do not make sense as they will not have the key to decipher the message since that is only accessible to whom the message was meant for and no one else.
2. Key encryption
Two styles that are currently being used for encrypting a message are asymmetric cryptography and symmetric cryptography. While asymmetric cryptography symbolizes public key encryption, symmetric cryptography signifies private key encryption. Let us study how each encryption functions and how they differ from each other.
Asymmetric cryptography: Asymmetric encryption includes a public key as well as a private key, and both these keys are a numerical match. The reason for this is that when the public key has been used to encrypt a certain message, then the private key gets used for decrypting it. This has to be in this specific order; however, the private key can also be used for encryption as well, with the public key then doing the job of decrypting the message.
Symmetric cryptography: Symmetric encryption deals with a shared key that is used to encrypt as well as decrypt the message. In contrast to the public key encryption, which works with two keys, one that performs the function of encrypting the message while the other decodes it.
In a layman’s term, let’s say you want to send a message to your friend discreetly. This can be difficult to do as everyone around you will know the language you converse in and will be able to read or understand the message. So, in order to construct a message which will only be understood by you and your friend, you create a unique pattern. For example, you use numbers in place of alphabets, like “A=1,” “B=2,” and so on. In this way, you will be able to make sentences using numbers which the others would not be able to follow since they are unaware of your pattern.
In the digital world, here is an example of how an encrypted app functions.
WhatsApp is the most used instant messaging application in the world. However, many users are unaware of the fact that their messages are equipped with end-to-end encryption. And, even fewer may be aware of the fact that it uses the encryption protocol developed by Signal.
The encryption is installed by default, and the private and public keys are subsequently created. The user’s device will hold the private key. Whereas, the public key will be set on the receiver’s device through the main WhatsApp server. The server, however, will not be able to access the content of the messages as it merely acts as a portal through which the messages will be delivered. Any third party will not be able to intercept the message. This ensures that the privacy of the message is never compromised.
WhatsApp uses the same security protocol for its encryption like that of Signal, which was created by Open Whisper Systems. The encryption makes sure that the messages that are being exchanged between two people stay between those two only. No one except the sender and the receiver has access to those messages, not even WhatsApp. This is because the sender and receiver are the only ones with keys to encrypt and decrypt the messages.
How can you ensure the messages are being encrypted?
Users have an option to double-check whether their encryption system is in place and functioning normally. They can make sure by just selecting a contact on the app and check the information screen. They can check the encryption by scanning the QR code. If they match, you have nothing to worry about as your device is up and running with end-to-end encryption.
This article aimed to provide a brief insight into how do encrypted messaging apps work. You can rest assured that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure your data is kept safe when you use your smartphone.
