end-to-end encryption

Continuous protection of data that flows between two points in a network, effected by encrypting data when it leaves its source, keeping it encrypted while it passes through any intermediate computers (such as routers), and decrypting it only when it arrives at the intended final destination. (See: wiretapping. Compare: link encryption.)

Examples: A few are BLACKER, CANEWARE, IPLI, IPsec, PLI, SDNS, SILS, SSH, SSL, TLS.

Tutorial: When two points are separated by multiple communication links that are connected by one or more intermediate relays, end- to-end encryption enables the source and destination systems to protect their communications without depending on the intermediate systems to provide the protection.