#1072 – How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

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#1072 - How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails
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End-to-end means what, now?

You would think that for such an important concept as end-to-end encryption there's be some agreement on exactly what it means. Sadly, not so.

There's the correct definition, and then there's the marketing definition. One protects you, the other not so much.

I layout the important difference in this week's featured article: How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

Also this week

  • CHKDSK & why it matters
  • Preparing for "The Big One"
  • Checking before you click
  • Free internet might have issues

As always, links below.

TEH Podcast

We start with a "AI craziness round up", since there were several AI-related items that made us go "Hmmmm". Vibe coding (and how it still needs humans). My phone's screen cracked again, so I decided bulker and safe is better than light and fragile. Popular software shut downs. The biggest television "streaming" service is? And of course more.

TEH 249: Can You Trust AI? Fact-Checking. AI Coding and Streaming Trends

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails
It's both a buzzword and a critical privacy component.

You would think that for such an important concept as end-to-end encryption there's be some agreement on exactly what it means. Sadly, not so. There's the correct definition, and then there's the marketing definition. One protects you, the other not so much.
Read: How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

CHKDSK: What Is It and How Do I Run It?
It's a tool for disk maintenance and repair.

CHKDSK: What Is It and How Do I Run It?
CHKDSK, short for Check Disk, is a utility that checks the integrity of the files and file structure of your hard disk. I'll walk you through it.
Read: CHKDSK: What Is It and How Do I Run It?

-

The Big One Is Coming. Are You Tech-Ready?
Preparing for the big one means you're ready for all the little ones, too.

The Big One Is Coming. Are You Tech-Ready?
Disaster planning includes thinking about your technology and online access.
Read: The Big One Is Coming. Are You Tech-Ready?

-

How to Hover Over a Link to Check It's Not a Scam
Scammers try to fool you.

How to Hover Over a Link to Check It
When it comes to links on webpages and HTML email, what you see is not always where you go. Hovering over a link is an important technique to look before you leap.
Read: How to Hover Over a Link to Check It's Not a Scam

-

Is Internet Provided by My Landlord Safe?
Who do you trust?

Is Internet Provided by My Landlord Safe?
Connectivity is becoming an added perk in some housing situations. Make sure you know the risks and alternatives when someone else provides your internet connection.
Read: Is Internet Provided by My Landlord Safe?

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Subscribe to Ask Leo! on YouTube to get the latest on YouTube.com. Your subscription (and "Likes") help others find Ask Leo!, and the answers they're looking for.

How Can I Securely Delete Everything Except the Operating System?

Before giving away a machine or returning a loaner, it's important to remove your personal information from it. That may be both harder and easier than you think.
Watch: How Can I Securely Delete Everything Except the Operating System?

-

Is Internet Provided by My Landlord Safe?

Connectivity is becoming an added perk in some housing situations. Make sure you know the risks and alternatives when someone else provides your internet connection.
Watch: Is Internet Provided by My Landlord Safe?

-

How to Hover Over a Link to Check It's Not a Scam

When it comes to links on webpages and HTML email, what you see is not always where you go. Hovering over a link is an important technique to look before you leap.
Watch: How to Hover Over a Link to Check It's Not a Scam

-

The Big One Is Coming. Are You Tech-Ready?

Disaster planning includes thinking about your technology and online access.
Watch: The Big One Is Coming. Are You Tech-Ready?

-

How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

End-to-end encryption is something we hear a lot about. Unfortunately, the term is often misused.
Watch: How End-to-End Encryption Protects Your Messages and Where It Fails

-

CHKDSK: What Is It and How Do I Run It?

CHKDSK, short for Check Disk, is a utility that checks the integrity of the files and file structure of your hard disk. I'll walk you through it.
Watch: CHKDSK: What Is It and How Do I Run It?

All About OneDrive - Online Course

All About OneDrive - Online Course

OneDrive is both incredibly powerful and at times incredibly confusing. It includes a bucket-load of features to help you back up, share, collaborate, stay safe, and more.

All About OneDrive covers OneDrive's features and its peculiarities so you can use it to the fullest.

(Silver level patrons and above: All About OneDrive is included in your patronage. If you don't see it in your My Account page, just ask.)

More details in the Ask Leo! store: All About OneDrive - Online Course


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Posted: June 3, 2025 in: 2025
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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.