Abstract

This thesis describes the requirements for, and design of, a suite of a sub-systems which support the introduction of Identity Based Encryption (IBE) to Intrenet communications. Current methods for securing Internet transmission are overly complex to users and require expensive and complex supporting infrastructure for distributing credentials such as certificates or public keys. Identity Based Encryption holds a promise of simplifying the process without compromising the security. In this thesis I will outline the theory behind the cryptography required , give a background to e-M ail and messaging protocols,the current security methods, the infrastructure used, the issues with these methods, and the break through that recent innovations in Identity Based Encryption hopes to deliver.I will describe an implementation of a sub-system that secures e-Mail and other protocolsin desktop platforms with as little impact on the end user as possible.