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Phil Zimmermann's Journey with PGP: Overcoming Obstacles in Email Security

Calendar Apr 22, 2002 • User Avatar Anthony Pell
1 min read
General Esm H446
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Topics Covered

data protection email encryption PGP open source project encryption challenges
Phil Zimmermann knows a thing or two about adversity. His invention for encrypting e-mail, Pretty Good Privacy, was so good that the government considered it munitions subject to tough export controls. Prosecutors threatened him with criminal charges when others leaked it overseas. . . . Phil Zimmermann knows a thing or two about adversity. His invention for encrypting e-mail, Pretty Good Privacy, was so good that the government considered it munitions subject to tough export controls. Prosecutors threatened him with criminal charges when others leaked it overseas.

The government ultimately backed off. But now, the company that makes the most popular version of PGP is the one pulling the plug.

It's yet another setback, but Zimmermann isn't rattled.

"PGP has been around for 10 years and has endured incredible obstacles and hardships," Zimmermann said. "Powerful forces have been arrayed to stop PGP and yet those obstacles were overcome."

PGP's future now lies with a handful of voluntary and entrepreneurial efforts that follow Zimmermann's designs. None carry the PGP name, though, as Network Associates Inc. retains trademark rights.

The link for this article located at CNN is no longer available.