Why Johnny Needs to Encrypt

This study examines users’ understanding of E2EE to highlight gaps in digital security awareness and reassert the importance of encryption systems centered on user control.

Do users really understand end-to-end encryption (E2EE)? While 95.1% of respondents could define E2EE, 61% still held serious misconceptions — many incorrectly believed that service providers could read their encrypted messages.

Is PGP Still Relevant? Unlike automated systems, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) requires users to manage their own encryption keys. This not only grants full control, but also encourages learning and deeper understanding of digital privacy.