Start-up simplifies email encryption

Source: ZDNet UK

A US company has developed email-encryption software that is effective if run by only one participant in an email exchange
A Palo Alto start-up has its sights set on making sure that more people encrypt their email.

Voltage Security's email encryption system is a slight twist on the current practice of using a combination of security codes -- one publicly available and one privately stored -- to encrypt and decrypt messages. Using Voltage's approach, the so-called public key is derived from the sender's email address, eliminating one step in the process, according to the company.

"You don't have to go through the process of obtaining a security credential or certificate," said Voltage chief executive Sathvik Krishnamurthy.

Although the same security level can be reached using existing public key authentication systems, Voltage executives say the simplicity of their software could draw businesses that are interested in more secure email but have been daunted by the work required to put such a system in place.