Encryption guru joins Hushmail

Cryptography guru Philip Zimmermann claims users have been slow to use encryption software because of its complexity, but believes the widespread use of services such as his latest venture - Hushmail - is only a short step away. "It's easy to use, you don't have to learn about trust models or PKI," he told silicon.com.

Zimmerman left security company Network Associates last week to become Hush Communications' cryptography chief. His primary mission is to integrate Hush's technology with the OpenPGP encryption standard endorsed by the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF).

Zimmermann originally invented encrypted email program PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), to help civil and human rights campaigners communicate in safety. His move to NAI three years ago indicated a more commercial push for the software.

The encryption inventor admits the technology's complexity has slowed down its adoption and it was Hushmail's ease of use that tempted him to move. "With Hushmail you have no software and everybody already has a browser," he explained. "That gives it a big advantage in a computing environment."

"We had tremendous success getting people who wanted encrypted email to use PGP. But it didn't attract the great unwashed masses who didn't know about encryption," he added.

Hushmail first came to Zimmermann's attention at a human rights conference in Washington where one of the delegates explained - perhaps not too subtly - that it was much easier to use than PGP.

While Zimmermann will get the freedom and space he lacked at NAI to develop new ideas, the appointment will give the small Irish communications company the credibility and American profile it previously lacked.

And Zimmermann, once the thorn in the side of the US government, is keen to put his expertise to good use against UK legislation such as the RIP Act. "There's been a tremendous erosion of privacy because of technology," he said.