We will be in lockdown for 2 more weeks and we are all starting to feel that cabin fever. We are missing our friends and families, and missing our freedom to move around and reach out to those we care about. Fortunately, we live in an age where we can do this online. How blessed are we!?
We do however, have to be aware of how we do this. Most people opt for Houseparty or Zoom. Both Houseparty and Zoom do not have end-to-end encryption and have had several security issues. In fact, in Houseparty’s Ts & Cs it states that the app/company is “free to use the content of all communications made via its services, including any idea, invention, concept, or technique”. This essentially means that Houseparty is allowed to use whatever information is exchanged on the platform. That includes your video chats and photos. Crazy, right!?
What is End-to-End Encryption?
End to end encryption (E2EE) encrypts your message throughout its whole journey between two end-points. It stays encrypted while traveling through intermediate servers and neither the service provider, nor your ISP or any third party can access it.
https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-end-to-end-encryption/
This means that your photos and videos are safe, and so are your loved ones.
Suggested Apps for connecting online
- WhatsApp Video Call – Up to four screens and has end-to-end encryption
- Justalk – Up to 50 connections and end-to-end encryption
- Signal – Very secure with end-to-end encryption, but only with one other person/screen.
- Microsoft Teams/Skype – Great for work meetings, data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Not as safe, but from experience, definitely better than options above.
Stay safe and stay healthy – at home!
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