Ring Unveils New Encryption Standard to Enhance User Privacy

Ring, Amazon’s smart home subsidiary, has announced a shift to a new encryption standard labeled TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), which will now serve as the default for its video features. This change aims to bolster user privacy while still enabling functionalities like Smart Alerts.

The TAKE standard utilizes a dynamic set of encryption keys stored temporarily in the cloud, accessible solely by Ring for processing active features. Once a task is completed, the keys are deleted within 24 hours, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

In a blog post, Ring emphasized that this approach allows for the decryption needed to provide users with timely alerts for people, vehicles, or packages detected by their cameras. Users retain the ultimate control over their video keys, ensuring their privacy remains intact.

Developed based on Messaging Layer Security (MLS), TAKE also offers recovery options for users who may lose access to their devices, utilizing methods such as passphrases or proximity authentication. The rollout of this encryption standard will begin in September, with users retaining the option to switch to end-to-end encryption if preferred.

Source: techcrunch.com