Cryptography's Role in Securing the Information Society

de Kenneth W. Dam, Herbert S. Lin, National Research Council Staff, Computer Science and Telecommunications Board Staff

For every opportunity presented by the information age, there is an opening to invade the privacy and threaten the security of the nation, U.S. businesses, and citizens in their private lives. Rival companies can glean proprietary secrets. Anti-U.S. terrorists can plot attacks. Network hackers can do anything from charging purchases on someone else's credit card to accessing military installations. What is the nature of business markets for cryptography in the United States and abroad? What is the impact of encryption on law enforcement and national security interests? How can cryptography help protect the nation's information infrastructure? This important book provides answers to these and other questions. . Cryptography's Role in Securing the Information Society addresses the urgent need for a strong national policy on cryptography that promotes and encourages the widespread use of this powerful tool for protecting the information interests of individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole, while respecting legitimate national needs of law enforcement and intelligence. The book presents a comprehensive examination of U.S. national cryptography policy and the evolution of cryptography from a national security tool a key component of the global information superhighway. It enlarges the scope of policy options and offers specific conclusions and recommendations. The major themes of the book are illustrated throughout with many examples from the worlds of government and business as well as the international network of hackers.