What is Client-Side Encryption and why is it Important for your Security

One of the most significant ways to move towards a more protected, private digital existence is to use strong encryption to safeguard your information and emails, but the question is whether all encryption is equal?

Although encryption is always a smart safeguard against spying or hacking, client-side encryption is the best method for ensuring that your information or message reaches only the correct receiver.

So what is client-side encryption, why’s it considerably safer? To comprehend this, you must first know how encryption protects your private information in general.

How Does Encryption Work

Encryption is the method of encrypting data so that it can only be read by those who have been granted access. Let’s pretend that you encrypt your emails and attachments. If a hacker gained access to your email server and obtained those messages, he would be left with nothing but gibberish. You’ll need the key to decode an encrypted email, attachment, server, or other device.

Machines must communicate in order for this to happen. If you’re making an online purchase and using a secure connection (search for the “s” in “https”), the computer transmits a packet of data to the server it’s linked to, which further responds with a certificate carrying its encrypted signature and a public key, allowing you to secure information you transmit to the server. Thus , the server verifies its identity to your computer so that you may be certain that the recipient of your encrypted sensitive information is genuine and not a fraudster.

The specifics of how encryption works are determined by a number of factors, including the kind of messages that are being sent between machines, the number of keys required, and if client-side encryption is being used.

What makes Client-side encryption different?

Many encryption systems, such as certain TLS-based healthcare portals, have the drawback of not being able to ensure that your data is being safely exchanged between servers. Though your information may be safe when it leaves your system, there is no assurance it will stay so during the transmission to the authorized user’s device.

If an email is sent across the internet, it will not reach the receiver straight. The mail is passing via a number of servers and, in some situations, remaining on them. As much as  you may wish that each of these servers were safe, there’s a high likelihood they aren’t. Furthermore, it’s completely feasible that one of those servers is watching every email it receives.

Client-side encryption addresses this issue by guaranteeing that your email stays encrypted from the time it is sent until it is delivered. The servers it passes through on its journey to its destination will be unable to read it because they will be unable to decrypt it; just the authorized user will be able to decrypt it using their key.

Importance of Client-Side Encryption

Client-side encryption is your right alternative if you’re seeking the most safe, confidential way to send safely messages or transfer data. Client-side email encryption reduces the chances of your data being captured by malicious third parties on the Internet.

Consider it as a special code you and a colleague create: you can leave messages in each other’s inboxes in that language, no one else will be able to decode and comprehend that. You would have to construct a dictionary describing the language and submit it to a third party if you don’t have client-side encryption.

Why Isn’t Client-Side Encryption More Popular?

Although Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) has provided client-side encryption for years, it is quite difficult for most users and has its own drawbacks. It’s a highly protected tool, but is also a hassle to use, especially if you’re not a tech whiz. In order to  write an encrypted email with PGP client-side encryption, first make sure that the recipient is using PGP, and after that exchange keys with them. You’re responsible for key management after you’ve acquired keys from everyone with whom you exchange encrypted email. An inadvertent system reset is all it takes to start the tedious procedure all over again.

Client-side encryption must be less difficult than that in order to gain traction. And it is with Canary Mail.

Canary Mail: Easy to use Encryption with SecureSend

SecureSend is an easy to use encryption system that allows you to secure sensitive content in emails & files with a single click. It encapsulates emails & files with an additional layer of encryption, to keep them secure even in the event of a breach or unauthorized account access. 

Unlike PGP, using SecureSend does not involve any manual encryption key management. Whereas PGP requires that your recipient already has encryption keys setup, this is not necessary for SecureSend.

Your recipients will receive a link via email that allows them to access a secure cloud-based reader. They only need to establish their identity, they do not need to create any new logins or install new software. They can also securely reply to your email directly via the Secure Reader.

SecureSend is HIPAA compliant. Emails and files sent via SecureSend are end-to-end encrypted. Only you and your recipient can access secure content.