New encryption methods strengthen Net security

Public-key encryption will change cyberspace and electronic communications dramatically, turning a free-for-all system with minimal security into a system in which you can be sure that your private information remains private and in which the authors of messages and documents can be identified positively.

There are two major problems with communications on the Internet and through the many BBSs and online services. First, there’s the question of security. Can you be sure that your communications will be private, that information you want to remain private will notbe accessible to others? For instance, can you buy something on the Internet securely, transferring…