ITinfo: RSA Encryption Algorithm Released To The Public Domain

Encryption Algorithm Available

RSA absolves license to encryption patent

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RSA Encryption Algorithm Released To The Public Domain

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

RSA Security, Inc. released the RSA public key encryption algorithm into the public domain prior to the anticipated expiration of it's associated U.S. patent.

RSA Security has waived its rights to enforce the patent for any development activities, and anyone may now create encryption products that incorporate their own implementation of the algorithm.

Commonly represented by the equation "c = m superscript e mod n," the RSA algorithm is widely considered the standard for encryption and the core technology that provides the long-term security for e-commerce activities on the net.

Encryption algorithms are used by e-commerce developers to modify electronic data so that it is unreadable by untrusted parties. RSA's encryption algorithm is used as the heart of products that use encryption so powerful that it would require all the computers in the world to operate in concert for a period about one thousand times longer than the age of the universe to break the encryption bonds and access the internal data.

Encryption applications are freely available on the net and are widely used by security professionals, businesses, and consumers who are aware of the benefits of encryption. For example, I encrypt private email and database files using an encryption key of a specific length when transferring sensitive data between our offices via email and FTP. Without the availability of low-cost encryption applications, we would have to resort to private couriers and personal deliveries -- even the postal mail isn't secure.

I'm a strong proponent for the use of encryption, but first I suggest you evaluate what needs to be protected and how well. I read Bruce Schneier's new book "Secrets & Lies: Digital security in a networked world." It's very accessible, and it's a must read for all who are involved in e-commerce or who need to protect electronic data. The book's ISBN is 0-471-25311-1. After you've read it, drop a note into the message center and give me your opinion.

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References

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updated September 11, 2000
http://dgl.com/itinfo/2000/it000911.html