What Is Encryption – And Why It Matters for Moainex Taskspace

Introduction

When we transfer information or data through the internet, there’s always a risk of it being intercepted, misused, or even sold by bad actors. Hackers, scammers, and third-party trackers are always looking for ways to access sensitive content.

This is where encryption comes in.

Encryption is the process of converting information into unreadable code using mathematical algorithms, so that only authorized people — with the right key — can decode and access it.

At Moainex Taskspace, your files are currently processed locally on your own device for maximum privacy and speed. However, we understand the critical role encryption plays in long-term security, especially as we introduce file sharing and collaboration features. So while we're not encrypting yet, encryption is part of our roadmap — and this blog explains why it's so important.

What Is Encryption?

Encryption is a method of protecting data by converting it from a readable format (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using algorithms and keys. Only someone with the correct decryption key can reverse the process and access the original content.

Why is encryption Important?

• Maintains confidentiality
• Protects data integrity
• Verifies authenticity
• Prevents unauthorized access

Even if encrypted data is intercepted, it can't be understood or tampered with — making encryption one of the most powerful tools in modern cybersecurity.

How Does Encryption Work?

Encryption works by encoding plaintext into ciphertext using cryptographic algorithms.

• Plaintext: Original readable data (e.g., "hello")
• Ciphertext: Original readable data (e.g., "8*#/0+gvU3x")
• Key: A secret string used to encrypt or decrypt the data
• Algorithm: A mathematical function that transforms plaintext into ciphertext and vice versa

An encryption system is typically made up of three major components:

• Data
• Encryption engine
• Key manager

On self-contained devices (like laptops), all three components may run locally.

What Is a Cryptographic Key?

A cryptographic key is a string of characters used by an encryption algorithm to modify data so that it appears random.

• The longer and more complex the key, the harder it is to crack.
• If the key is compromised, the encryption becomes useless — which is why secure key management is critical.

Encryption ensures that confidential data transmitted over public networks remains meaningless to third parties unless they have the key.

Types of Encryption

1. Symmetric Encryption

• Uses one secret key for both encryption and decryption
• Fast and efficient
• Common algorithms: AES-128, AES-192, AES-256

2. Asymmetric Encryption (Public Key Cryptography)

• Uses two keys: one public, one private
• The public key encrypts, the private key decrypts (or vice versa)
• Commonly used in SSL/TLS certificates for websites
• More secure for data transmission, but slower than symmetric methods

Key Concepts in Encryption

• Key Length: Longer keys offer stronger protection, but may reduce performance
• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages — even the service provider can't
• Block Ciphers: Encrypt data in fixed-size blocks (e.g., AES uses 128-bit blocks)

What Is an Encryption Algorithm?

An encryption algorithm defines how plaintext is transformed into ciphertext using a key. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

• Adopted by the US government in 2001
• The most widely used encryption method today
• Supports key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits
• Based on a “substitution–permutation network” for high strength and performance
• Used in everything from military systems to personal file encryption

RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman)

• Public-key encryption system developed at MIT
• Uses large prime numbers
• Slower but very secure
• Often used to securely exchange symmetric AES keys in hybrid encryption

Twofish

• Fast symmetric encryption
• Used in tools like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy)
• Free to use and not patented

Triple DES (3DES)

• Applies DES three times per data block
• Deprecated by NIST in 2023 due to security vulnerabilities

DES (Data Encryption Standard)

• Developed in the 1970s
• Now considered outdated and insecure

Moainex Taskspace and Encryption: Current Status & Roadmap

Current State (as of July 2025)

• All file processing happens locally on your device
• Your JPGs and PDFs are never uploaded to a server
• As a result, encryption isn’t applied yet — because the data doesn’t leave your system

Future Plans

As we launch:

• File sharing
• Cloud saves
• Team collaboration features

Encryption becomes essential.

We’re actively working on:

• Client-side AES encryption before any file is uploaded
• Optional passphrase-based decryption, so only people with your key can open the files