Business and the Internet  
The Security Team:
Mark Bayer - KSG
Raghav Chandra - KSG
Jaime Chambron - FAS
Jamil Ghani - FAS
Nanthikesan - KSG
Angelina Ornelas - KSG
Alex C. Snoeren - MIT

Information Systems Security: Enabling Future Internet Applications through Cryptography


As the Internet becomes more and more ubiquitous in today's society, new and innovative applications continue to emerge. These applications have been commonly considered to fall under the broad umbrella of Information Systems. Their security is of utmost importance to the continued market development. Of particular interest to our group is the component of Information Systems Security dealing specifically with information in an electronic medium: digital security.

We believe that digital security is necessary to enable continued diversification and growth of applications for the Internet. As the various stakeholders come together, however, it is important that policy and practice be shaped to best utilize the available technology, taking into account the needs and concerns of all involved. With this in mind, this project attempts to examine the varying aspects of digital security on the Internet, both technical, political, and otherwise. As today's technology for implementing the majority of digital security concerns, cryptography provides an excellent vehicle for framing our discussion.

We first survey the current technology and policy surrounding digital security on the Internet today. Through case studies of contrasting industries, we then attempt to frame the differing concerns of the various players. Finally, after examining what we view as the government's role, we attempt to provide a concise set of recommendations to help guide future legislative, policy, and economic decisions in order to best facilitate the continued development of novel applications for the Internet.

  • Project Outline
  • STP-307 Project Resources
    Last Modified: 04/06/98 snoeren@mit.edu