When we write a message or record a voice message, we usually have a recipient in mind. When we send the message, we choose the contact or contacts we want to send the information to and that’s the end of it. We assume that those people and nobody else will receive and read that particular message. But is that really the case? How can we be sure?
If a message is not encrypted, a motivated individual can do quite a few things without going to a lot of effort. They can
- listen in on the conversation and use the information exchanged for their own gain
- insert themselves into the communications channel to read and change the original message before it reaches the intended recipient
All of this can take place unnoticed and the consequences can range from bank payments going to the wrong account to identity theft. While the material damages can be major, we should also not underestimate the negative effect it has on a society when people are no longer sure of their privacy in their everyday conversations with friends and family.