The keys to encryption. (email security)

Here is a recap of some security methods and solutions that can come up in debates over appropriate email security. They begin with cryptography and there are two versions: symmetric (private key) or asymmetric (public key).

* Symmetric Cryptography: A single private (secret) key is used to both encrypt and decrypt a message. Two parties who wish to share private messages must use the same keys, must keep those keys secret and exchange the keys in a manner that excludes unwanted third parties.

* Asymmetric Cryptography: A pair of special keys is created, but only one is known (to more than one person) and exchanged. If a message is encrypted with the first key, …