This article has been updated. Originally published on April 26, 2021

Zoom's end-to-end (E2E) encryption is good news for those who care about online privacy and security. But this feature is not enabled by default, so you may still connect with friends, family and colleagues through a standard encryption protocol with less secure video call program.

Frankly, this...is OK, but you deserve the best.

Why should E2E encryption be enabled

Encrypted communication itself is just a bunch of incomprehensible characters, and a key is required to convert it into an understandable text message, audio clip or video call. The main differences between various encryption types are the locations of key generation, management and storage.

[Related: How to Safely Store and Share Sensitive Files]

For example, Zoom's default AES 256-bit GCM encryption generates a key on the company's own server. This means that the content of your team’s daily employee meetings is still transmitted from your device over the internet to your colleague’s laptop or cell phone in a secure way. But because Zoom controls the communication keys, they can theoretically decrypt the "funny" story you told about your cat - and your teammates are unresponsive to it. What's more serious is that it also means that anyone who gets access to Zoom servers — from hackers to government agencies — can see what you're talking about all the time.

By enabling E2E encryption, your device (and everyone's devices on the call) will generate, manage, and store your communication keys. This means that Zoom's servers only receive a bunch of incomprehensible code that they then directed it to their final destination. The company will never see what you say, the photos you share, or the stories you wish you could cancel.

Why is E2E encryption on Zoom not automatic

As of now, when you enable E2E encryption on Zoom, you automatically lose access to many other features. This includes the ability to join calls, cloud recording, live streaming and real-time transcription before the host. Other features, such as one-to-one private chat and meeting response, will be disabled based on the version of Zoom you are running.

There are other limitations in this feature. Only those using Zoom Rooms, desktop clients, or mobile applications can join E2E encrypted calls, while those dialed or connected through third-party clients such as Lync or Skype cannot join.

[Related: 6 Safe WhatsApp Alternatives]

When Zoom announced the arrival of E2E encryption in October, one of the benefits mentioned was that it can be used by both paid customers and users who use the app for free. But here is a trick: To use this new encryption method, free users must have a valid billing option in the file and verify their account. This means providing Zoom with credit card details and phone numbers, as well as a physical address, which can be a high price if you take your privacy seriously.

All of these warnings are why Zoom recommends that users enable E2E encryption only for sensitive communications (conferences that really require this extra layer of protection). However, since E2E encryption is the only online protocol that completely protects your online content, it should not be optional. It should be the default.

How to set E2E encryption on Zoom

On your computer, log in to the Zoom website and click Set . Under the Meetings tab, select Safe and scroll down to turn on the toggle next to Allow end-to-end encryption. When you do this, a new option to select the encryption type will appear below - select the circle next to

End-to-End Encryption

. If you are not a paid user, the platform will require you to verify your account with a valid phone number. If you are managing a group of users or an entire enterprise account, it means similar. Before clicking Settings, click

User Management

, and then click Group Management. You can find more details in Zoom's Help Center.

[Related: Best Zoom Tips and Add-ons for Video Chat]

When E2E encryption is enabled, the next time you host a meeting, you will see the corresponding icon in the upper left corner of the screen - it looks like a green shield with a lock. Click it to check if E2E encryption is enabled, and then click

Verify

to ensure your communication is secure. When you do this, you will see a pop-up window containing eight sets of five digits. Once all guests are online, please open the same window. Read these numbers aloud and if they match, congratulations – you are now connected to the best security system on the internet.

Updated April 27 at 2:12 pm: This article has been updated to reflect that E2E encryption on Zoom is no longer a technical preview.

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