Encryption and Secure Computer Networks.

There is increasing growth in the number of computer networks in use and in the kinds of distributed computing applications available on these networks. This increase, together with concern about privacy, security, and integrity of information exchange, has created considerable interest in the use of encryption to protect information in the networks. This survey is directed at the reader who is knowledgeable about various network designs and who now wishes to consider incorporating encryption methods into these designs. It is also directed at developers of encryption algorithms who wish to understand the characteristics of such algorithms useful in network applications. Key management, network encryption protocols, digital signatures, and the utility of conventional-or public-key encryption methods are each discussed. A case study of how encryption was integrated into an actual network, the Arpanet, illustrates many issues present in the design of a network encryption facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]