Alnpete are producing a series of Briefing Notes on key technologies and significant issues, for anyone who wishes to use the Web as an effective enhancement to their business. They will appear here over time. The first is an introduction to Cryptography and explains the different types of cryptography that are in use to protect data and transactions on the Internet. Subsequent notes will include Security in eCommerce and Trust and PKI.

Briefing Note on Cryptography. [PDF] Many books have been written about cryptography ranging from trivial sensationalism to highly mathematical treatises. In this briefing note, our Consultancy Director Peter Buck succinctly covers the most significant types of cryptography in use today, explaining why they work (but not the sordid maths behind how they work!). He also looks at what purpose they serve and how they are used in real products and services.