Ncell says its SMS service has encryption for user privacy

Private telecom company Ncell Axiata says its SMS service has an encryption feature for the protection of user data. The revelation came to light as the company’s information officer Bishalmani Upadhyaya shared the information at a recent event in Kathmandu.  

Encryption is a privacy-focused security feature on communication services that keeps conversations away from exposure to others. Various Instant Messaging (IM) apps use end-to-end encryption to elevate customers’ security and cultivate their trust in the company. If you were unaware, Facebook Messenger has encryption as well as WhatsApp.

Encryption converts text into a different form making them unrecognizable. Only those with access keys (OTP, passwords, biometrics) can access them keeping data only between users involved in the exchange of messages.

Mr. Upadhyaya said that with the encryption, even Ncell staff can’t check on messages subscribers have exchanged between them. The messages are kept between the users and others are barred from ever reaching the SMS. “If ever someone establishes access to the system, even they won’t find SMS of Ncell users sent between themselves,” he added.

But it doesn’t mean that messages vanish from Ncell’s system. But, they are stored in a highly sophisticated manner that keeps them away from unauthorized access. The encryption is smart enough that if demanded by court proceedings or law enforcement agencies, a special decryption will be required to decode the messages, Mr. Upadhyaya shared.

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Ncell SMS has encryption but calls are secure too

The tight security doesn’t only apply to SMS either. Mr. Upadhyaya shared that Ncell also secures its customers’ identity on voice service.

“Our staff can’t identify the users who make calls to others. They know one only when a particular user complains about call issues,” he further assured.

Ncell places great value on cyber and information security. The company performs its security audit in a way that bars unauthorized access to its databases.  

Cybersecurity is a key aspect of communication services these days. Users of any such communication medium want their identity and data protected. Ncell employing encryption in its SMS is an apt assurance to the customers that it cares for customer safety and their data privacy. Also read: Ntc Launches Group SMS | Send a message to 10 thousand users

Is it a relief to you that Ncell encrypts its users’ SMS? Do share in the comments below.