A matter of trust [data security]

Larger amounts of information are being exchanged by electronic means. This has many advantages, including speed and convenience, but is by no means problem free. Most forms of electronic communication (not least the Internet) are not inherently secure. Security needs vary between applications, but common requirements include ensuring the information is not changed in transit and protecting the information against unauthorised disclosure. Ensuring security for electronic information exchange is far from straightforward and there is a danger that this problem could form a significant barrier to the growth of electronic commerce. Cryptography is one method of addressing the security weaknesses, but there is a difficulty in the management of the various keys. As the demand for secure electronic communications has grown, especially in the domain of electronic commerce, new institutions, often known as trusted third parties are emerging to meet this need. Trusted third parties could become key players in ensuring the security of electronic communications. The author explains the nature of these novel organisations and discusses some of the issues associated with their development.