End-to-end encryption with [matrix]
Matrix is end-to-end encrypted as a communication protocol. To benefit from the encryption, setting up an encrypted backup is required.
This guide describes how to set up encryption using the Element client at pro.fairchat.eu.
1) Click on your profile in the top left and select "Security"
Note: In the new version of the Element client, Encryption is listed as a separate settings item. Click on your profile in the top left, then select "All Settings" and "Encryption".
Note: In the new version of the Element client, Recovery can be found within the encryption settings.
Should all devices be lost, the cryptographic identity and message history can be restored using a recovery key. See 7) Back up the security key.
3) Element offers two ways to set up the key backup
Note: With the new version of the Element client, the key backup can only be set up using a recovery key.
Background information on Element's decision can be found in the issue. Users who have already set up a security phrase can continue to use it to decrypt their message history.
The key backup can be set up by either generating a security key or entering a security phrase. The security key or security phrase must be entered when logging out / back in to avoid losing access to your messages. This documentation further explains how to set up encryption using a security phrase.
4) Enter security phrase
Select Enter security phrase and confirm with Continue.
5) Set security phrase
The security phrase should not be the same as your fairlogin password, but should be chosen independently and meet the requirements.
6) Confirm security phrase
7) Back up the security key
The security key should additionally be copied and stored in a password manager, just like the security phrase.
8) Done!