End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a fundamental concept in the field of cybersecurity that ensures data is encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device. This prevents intermediaries—including internet service providers, application service providers, and even the server operators themselves—from accessing the plaintext data.
How End-to-End Encryption Works
1. Key Principles
• Encryption at Source: Data is encrypted on the sender’s device using a cryptographic key.
• Transmission: The encrypted data is transmitted over a network.
• Decryption at Destination: Only the intended recipient with the appropriate private key can decrypt the data.
2. Cryptographic Methods
• Asymmetric Encryption (e.g., RSA, ECC): Uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
• Symmetric Encryption (e.g., AES): The same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Often used within the session once a secure channel is established via asymmetric methods (as in the Signal Protocol).
Application in Security Classifications
End-to-end encryption contributes to the confidentiality of data, one of the core principles of the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability). In terms of security classifications (often defined in government and military contexts), data can be classified into levels such as:
• Top Secret
• Secret
• Confidential
• Unclassified
For data at these levels:
• Top Secret communications may use custom, rigorously vetted E2EE solutions (e.g., NSA-approved Type 1 cryptographic products).
• Secret and below communications often rely on commercial-grade or military-approved E2EE solutions (e.g., Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME), or secure VoIP protocols like ZRTP).
E2EE is vital in ensuring that even if data is intercepted in transit, it cannot be read unless decrypted by an authorized party, aligning with national and international information assurance standards.
Security Classification References
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):
• NIST SP 800-175B: Guideline for using cryptography in Federal Government systems.
• NIST SP 800-57: Key Management Guidelines.
2. NSA/CNSA Suite:
• The Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite specifies algorithms for protecting classified and national security systems.
3. Department of Defense (DoD):
• DoDI 8500.01: Cybersecurity policy requirements for encryption in classified systems.
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No, Signal does not use the NSA/CNSA Suite (Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite) for its encryption.
Instead, Signal uses its own custom encryption protocol known as the Signal Protocol (formerly the Axolotl Ratchet), which includes the following components:
• Double Ratchet Algorithm: For forward secrecy and post-compromise security.
• X3DH (Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman): For initial key exchange.
• AES-256, HMAC-SHA256, and Curve25519: For encryption, message authentication, and key agreement.
The NSA’s CNSA Suite includes algorithms like AES-256, SHA-384, ECDH using P-384, and RSA-3072 or larger, primarily for use by U.S. government entities in classified or sensitive communications. While there is overlap in some algorithms (like AES-256), Signal does not implement the CNSA Suite as a whole, nor is it designed to comply with U.S. government encryption standards.
Two Questions:
As a retired physical security specialist involved with government administrative & physical security it becomes apparent that no one attempted to get the signal app cleared and set to the government encryption standard for the Atlantic editor would not have been able to connect unless someone in authority provided them a private key. The phone of the Atlantic editor would also require his clearance asnd his phone authorizes exposing the other persons hubris in inviting the editor to join in.
In the past all presidents and cabinet members were required to turn in their civilian devices and be issued certified secure devices to use for communications both secure and non-secure.
Yes, signal is adequate for the layperson but to be used at governmental organazations who deal with national security issues regular cell phones with an app not properly certified to comply with U.S. government encryption standards is criminal.
Signal does not use the NSA/CNSA Suite (Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite) for its encryption.
Instead, Signal uses its own custom encryption protocol known as the Signal Protocol (formerly the Axolotl Ratchet), which includes the following components:
• Double Ratchet Algorithm: For forward secrecy and post-compromise security.
• X3DH (Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman): For initial key exchange.
• AES-256, HMAC-SHA256, and Curve25519: For encryption, message authentication, and key agreement.
The NSA’s CNSA Suite includes algorithms like AES-256, SHA-384, ECDH using P-384, and RSA-3072 or larger, primarily for use by U.S. government entities in classified or sensitive communications. While there is overlap in some algorithms (like AES-256), Signal does not implement the CNSA Suite as a whole, nor is it designed to comply with U.S. government encryption standards.
Two Questions:
As a retired physical security specialist involved with government administrative & physical security it becomes apparent that no one attempted to get the signal app cleared and set to the government encryption standard for the Atlantic editor would not have been able to connect unless someone in authority provided them a private key. The phone of the Atlantic editor would also require his clearance asnd his phone authorizes exposing the other persons hubris in inviting the editor to join in.
In the past all presidents and cabinet members were required to turn in their civilian devices and be issued certified secure devices to use for communications both secure and non-secure.
Yes, signal is adequate for the layperson but to be used at governmental organazations who deal with national security issues regular cell phones with an app not properly certified to comply with U.S. government encryption standards is criminal.
Signal does not use the NSA/CNSA Suite (Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite) for its encryption.
Instead, Signal uses its own custom encryption protocol known as the Signal Protocol (formerly the Axolotl Ratchet), which includes the following components:
• Double Ratchet Algorithm: For forward secrecy and post-compromise security.
• X3DH (Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman): For initial key exchange.
• AES-256, HMAC-SHA256, and Curve25519: For encryption, message authentication, and key agreement.
The NSA’s CNSA Suite includes algorithms like AES-256, SHA-384, ECDH using P-384, and RSA-3072 or larger, primarily for use by U.S. government entities in classified or sensitive communications. While there is overlap in some algorithms (like AES-256), Signal does not implement the CNSA Suite as a whole, nor is it designed to comply with U.S. government encryption standards.
Two Questions:
As a retired physical security specialist involved with government administrative & physical security it becomes apparent that no one attempted to get the signal app cleared and set to the government encryption standard for the Atlantic editor would not have been able to connect unless someone in authority provided them a private key. The phone of the Atlantic editor would also require his clearance asnd his phone authorizes exposing the other persons hubris in inviting the editor to join in.
In the past all presidents and cabinet members were required to turn in their civilian devices and be issued certified secure devices to use for communications both secure and non-secure.
Yes, signal is adequate for the layperson but to be used at governmental organazations who deal with national security issues regular cell phones with an app not properly certified to comply with U.S. government encryption standards is criminal.
Summary
• Signal Protocol is optimized for secure, private, and asynchronous messaging, prioritizing usability and strong forward secrecy/post-compromise security.
• CNSA Suite is a strict set of government-approved algorithms designed for compliance, long-term classified communication, and often used in conjunction with standards like TLS, IPsec, or S/MIME.
Signal is secure, modern, and widely respected—but it doesn’t aim to meet the formal requirements of the CNSA Suite.
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