Contemporary Cryptography: The Imperatives of its Implementation

Abstract

For cryptography to function effectively as a security imperative for the Nil (National Information Infrastructure), it is essential that cryptographic methods be interoperable. This necessitates the development of technical standards, criteria and protocols for cryptographic methods. Two such implementations are the focus of discussion in this paper. It is imperative that these standards are adequately disseminated at the national and international levels to encourage interoperable crypto systems. Towards this end the government and industry need to work in close coordination to provide the necessary environment for information and communications systems to reach their full potential. The IETE represents such an interface and is seen as a significant contributor in nurturing this eminently crucial initiative of national significance.