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 What
sort of image does the word "encryption" conjure up?
It used to be associated with tales of military exploits or
perhaps detective novels. But perhaps few think that way today,
because encryption is no longer the stuff of stories about spies
or criminals. Its primary application is in the world of information
networks.
The foremost use of encryption is to
protect confidential data. The Internet is much like an open,
public highway along which anyone and everyone can pass. Encryption
is used in order to ensure that the content on your computer
and your communication pathways are not exposed for all to
see. Ciphers serve as barriers to shield your confidential
files and e-mail messages from people on the Internet who
might be interested in them-industrial spies, criminals, terrorists,
hackers, or maybe just the curious and inquisitive. |
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 But
encryption can also be used to certify the authenticity of people
and information. When you deal with somebody on the Internet,
naturally you cannot see them. So how do you trust them? You
cannot do business online in confidence unless there are reliable
guarantees for the identity of the person you deal with and
for the authenticity of contracts and other electronic documents.
This is where encryption comes in: it enables you to verify
the identity of a company or an individual; it makes digital
signatures practical; and it prevents people from tampering
with information. Ciphers are thus crucial for maintaining confidence
in electronic communications, and e-commerce transactions wouldtoday
not be possible without them.
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"On the Internet, nobody knows you're
a dog."
Drawing by P. Steiner
(c) 1993 The New Yorker Magazine
All Rights Reserved
Ever since the time of Julius Caesar, secret codes have served
as an intelligence weapon for military and diplomatic advantage,
but we are now witnessing a paradigm shift. Encryption has started
on a new path towards technological evolution, helping to ensure
security and confidence for commercial and social transactions.
Let's take a look at one of the technologies that is spearheading
this evolution. |
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