13th November 2022
The following documents are available in both web page format, for online viewing, and Portable Document Format, for downloading and printing:
This paper sets out the critical questions we need to answer, in deciding whether we wish to adopt cryptography and, if so, what sort. It goes on to describe the main benefits, drawbacks and costs of cryptography.
This paper introduces the concepts of cryptography: traditional cryptography using standard algorithms, with each user having their own unique keys; current Public Key Cryptography that enables users to communicate securely without having to share their private keys, so they can keep those keys truly secret; and cryptographic extensions to support the new social media-based applications.
This paper discusses the main issues to consider when planning how to implement cryptography. It compares the relative advantages of the three main methods of managing cryptographic keys: the simple OpenPGP method, used by individuals and small groups; S/MIME, popular in the corporate world; and the new methods derived from social media. It also gives examples of products and services, available at the time of writing, that support cryptography.
A glossary of technical terms, and ordinary words used with special technical meanings, in this series of documents. They are italicised on first occurrence in each document and each glossary article.
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Richard Stonehouse