Technology
Ring introduces TAKE encryption as default standard for video security
Amazon's smart home company says its new protocol deletes decryption keys within 24 hours, limiting cloud video access while maintaining smart features.
The short version
- Amazon-owned Ring announced a new default encryption standard called TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption) for all user cameras beginning in September.
- The protocol uses cloud-stored rotating keys to process features such as smart alerts and video search, then automatically deletes those keys within 24 hours.
- The update aims to enhance user privacy and restrict long-term video access without requiring full end-to-end encryption.
Key facts
- Ring announced that its new TAKE encryption standard will begin rolling out globally in September as the default setting for all camera users.[The Verge · TechCrunch]
- Under the TAKE framework, temporary cloud-based encryption keys are used to power active processing features before Ring deletes them within 24 hours.[TechCrunch]
- Amazon built the TAKE standard on the Messaging Layer Security protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force.[TechCrunch]
- Ring camera owners maintain the option to opt out of TAKE and manually enable full end-to-end encryption.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unverified by third-party security researchers how effectively Ring's cloud deletion mechanisms prevent long-term data retention or external access requests.[The Verge · TechCrunch]