Encryption

Term Paper # 108958

Computer and Technology
Computer and Technology > Internet
Medical and Health > Nursing

Encryption

An analysis of the use of encryption and cryptography to protect consumer information.

1,374 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how there are several legal issues come into play when attempting to protect consumers who use the Internet and how one such method of protection is through encryption and cryptography of information. It looks at how encryption and cryptography of information prevents unwanted persons from accessing information or if access is gained, from reading and understanding messages that are not intended for them. The paper also examines how, although legal actions may be taken to protect consumers, many actions are available that consumers can make on their own to protect themselves and their businesses.

From the Paper:

"In ancient times encryption was used by those individuals who had an exceptional need for confidentiality and were willing to put in the effort required to do so such as those involved in trading. The use of encryption during World War II is also documented. As use of the encryption system grew and improved over the years, the implementation of the U.S. Data Encryption Standard (DES) and public key cryptography in the 1970's brought about the emergence from the preserve of secretive government agencies into the public domain. "Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a widely-used method of data encryption using a private (secret) key that was judged so difficult to break by the U.S. government that it was restricted for exportation to other countries (Biasci, Granum & Randatz). Protecting military secrets has historically been done my encrypting messages so they can be read only by the intended recipient. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Smith, M. (1997). Encryption technology: Congressional Issues. CRS Issue Brief.
Biasci, L., Granum, L., & Rundatz, F. (2006). Security search. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinitions.
Tyson, J. (2007). How encryption works. How stuff works. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http:// computer.howstuffworks.com/encryption.com.