Ethics: Possible Solution

Introduction to Existing
Situation

USA

Europe

Possible Resolution

Personal Conduct

Glossary

Ethical Issues Concerning
Protection of Data
Personal Conduct

There are many things that cryptography and encryption cannot protect you from. Stolen keys, destructive attacks, booby-trapped encryption programs, weak links in your people chain. The best ethics in encryption, whether you are the cryptographer or the end-user, is to be honest, use short, effective communication, use common sense, and don’t use encryption to hide things from the law.

Though the content of a message may not be known, it will still look mighty suspicious in front of a judge or jury. One thing you must remember, however, is that sending e-mail is like sending a post card, easily read if sent to the wrong person. Do not overuse encryption, but when you need it, use it. Your best bet is to keep private things private. Don’t write down your passwords, keys, or anything that only you are supposed to know. That will ensure pretty… very good privacy.