The Limits of End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is one of the most effective tools for protecting digital communications. However, understanding its limitations is crucial for maintaining true security.

1. Endpoint Compromise

The most common attack vector doesn't target the encryption itself—it targets your device.

Private Key Extraction: If attackers gain access to your device, they can potentially extract your E2EE private keys directly. With your private keys, they can decrypt all your past and future messages—even without keeping access to your device.

Malware and Spyware: Malicious software on your phone or computer can read messages before they're encrypted or after they're decrypted. This includes:

Physical Access: If someone gains physical access to your unlocked device, encryption becomes meaningless. They can read messages directly or copy your private keys for later use.

2. Metadata Analysis

While E2EE protects message content, it often doesn't hide metadata:

This metadata can reveal a surprising amount about your activities and relationships.

3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

If an attacker can intercept the initial key exchange, they can position themselves between you and your contact, decrypting and re-encrypting messages as they pass through.

Protection: Always verify security codes or key fingerprints with your contacts through a separate channel.

4. Implementation Flaws

Not all encryption implementations are equal. Common weaknesses include:

5. Social Engineering

The human element remains the weakest link:

6. Server-Side Vulnerabilities

Some "E2EE" services still process data on their servers:

How Evercrypted Addresses These Risks

At Evercrypted, we've designed our platform to mitigate these attack vectors:

Understanding these vulnerabilities helps you make informed decisions about your digital security. True protection requires both strong encryption and good security practices.