Encryption in Action A bare-bones description of how one popular e-mail encryption product, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), works.
1. Mike and Steve want to exchange secure e-mail. Using PGP, each has
generated a "key pair," computer data files consisting to a secret key
and a public key. Both are files of random text generated by
complex mathematical algorithms.
2. Mike and Steve exchange copies of their public keys, which are often
made available for public use. Their secret files are not distributed,
stored only on their computers and protected behind passwords.
3. For Mike to send secure e-mail to Steve, he uses Steve's public key to
scramble the message. The message is made unreadable using the same
algorithms that generated Steve's public key. The message appears as
seemingly random letters, numbers and symbols.
4. Mike's scrambled message arrives in Steve's mailbox. To read the
message, Steve uses his secret key, to unscramble it. Before
activating the secret key, the computer prompts Steve for a password that
only he knows. For Steve to reply with his own encrypted message he must
use Mike's public key.
5. Both may also want to list their public keys with a public key server, a
database that serves as a directory of public keys. This allows others who
may want to contact them to find their public keys easily.
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Though most experts downplay the threat, the idea that someone, somewhere
might intercept personal e-mail or credit card numbers hangs like a cloud
over everything we do online. The primary fix — encryption software
— is built into most browsers and is available over the Net. But the
software that protects the consumer can be exploited by criminals ... and
that has lawmakers on edge. Here, a primer on the debate over encryption.
The hows and whys of encryption, a special report
White House open to FBI crypto-control plan
House committee sides with Clinton on encryption exports
After a closer look, an expert suggests criminals aren't shielded after all
Editorial: Codes of Silence
In Congress, a debate over master keys
Editorial: Codes of Silence
In court, export restrictions are defeated on First
Amendment grounds
Behind the case: The story of Snuffle
Q&A: Federal encryption chief defends export curbs
Safe surfing: Protecting yourself on the Net
Don't worry — that much — about banking online
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