Zero-Knowledge Encryption means that no one, except you (not even the service provider) can access your secured data.
This is the crucial point - even with totally encrypted files, if the server has access to the keys, a centralized hacker attack can get access.
Zero-Knowledge Encryption is a much safer way of securing data than Encryption-in-Transit, Encryption-at-Rest, and End-to-End Encryption. Here’s why:
1. Encryption-in-Transit secures a message, while it is being transmitted between two parties. (i.e. between your computer and the cloud provider).
2. Encryption-at-Rest protects the file or data on the server while not being used.
3. End-to-End Encryption is a system of communication where only the communicating users who have the key can read the messages.
Zero-Knowledge Encryption deals with this matter by hiding the encryption key, even to the storage provider, resulting in an authentication request without any password exchange.
The reason consumers and businesses should care is because Zero-Knowledge Encryption ensures their data is protected from hackers, Big Tech or other bad faith actors online.