Client-side encryption
Client-side encryption is the cryptographic technique of encrypting data on the sender's side, before it is transmitted to a server such as a cloud storage service.[1] Client-side encryption features an encryption key that is not available to the service provider, making it difficult or impossible for service providers to decrypt hosted data. Client-side encryption allows for the creation of applications whose providers cannot access the data its users have stored, thus offering a high level of privacy.[1]
Applications utilizing client-side encryption are sometimes marketed under the misleading or incorrect term "zero-knowledge",[2] but this is a misnomer, as the term zero-knowledge describes something entirely different in the context of cryptography.
Details
[edit | edit source]Client-side encryption seeks to eliminate the potential for data to be viewed by service providers (or third parties that compel service providers to deliver access to data), client-side encryption ensures that data and files that are stored in the cloud can only be viewed on the client-side of the exchange. This prevents data loss and the unauthorized disclosure of private or personal files, providing increased peace of mind for its users.[1]
Current recommendations by industry professionals as well as academic scholars offer great vocal support for developers to include client-side encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information. [3][4] [5]
Examples of services that use client-side encryption by default
[edit | edit source]Examples of services that optionally support client-side encryption
[edit | edit source]- Apple iCloud offers optional client-side encryption when "Advanced Data Protection for iCloud" is enabled.[10][11]
- Google Drive,[12] Google Docs,[12] Google Meet,[13] Google Calendar,[13] and Gmail[13] — However, as of Jul 2024, optional client-side encryption features are only available to paid users.[14]
Examples of services that do not support client-side encryption
[edit | edit source]Examples of client-side encrypted services that no longer exist
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]- End-to-end encryption – the encryption of data between two different clients that are communicating with each other
- Homomorphic encryption
References
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- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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