B2B Integration : A Practical Guide to Collaborative E-commerce

Internet Security 293
no point in securing just the communication channel, if the intruders are
able to access the information by breaking into internal systems of the
company.
10.6. Key Concepts in E-Security Solutions
Some key technologies that have emerged as the foundation of
e-security are: cryptography, digital signatures/certificates and firewalls.
In this section, we will take a closer look at these technologies and
understand the role played by each in creating a secure environment for
an enterprise.
10.6.1. Cryptography
Cryptography, also called encryption, protects the privacy of sensitive
information being transmitted over the Internet. It ensures that the
information is not intelligible if it falls into the wrong hands. While
cryptography has been in existence since ancient times, its level of
sophistication has increased, commensurate with the increase in risks.
Today's cryptography uses sophisticated mathematical formulas and
computer algorithms.
The main elements of cryptography are:
• Original Text — the precise contents of the message;
• Cipher Text — the form in which the message appears after being
encrypted. This is not humanly readable;
• Encryption Algorithm — the algorithm or mathematical formula used
to convert the original message into cipher text; and
• Key — the element used to encrypt and decrypt the message. Every
encryption algorithm makes use of a key. Depending on the key used,
the same algorithm will produce different cipher text for the same
message contents.
Encryption is done to secure not only text, but also video, sound,
etc. — any form of communication across the Internet.