RSA Security Releases RSA Encryption Algorithm into Public Domain

BEDFORD, Mass., September 6, 2000 -- RSA® Security Inc. today announced it has released the RSA public key encryption algorithm into the public domain, allowing anyone to create products that incorporate their own implementation of the algorithm. This means that RSA Security has waived its rights to enforce the patent for any development activities that include the RSA algorithm occurring after September 6, 2000.

Represented by the equation "c = m^e mod n," the RSA algorithm is widely considered the standard for encryption and the core technology that secures the vast majority of the e-business conducted on the Internet. The U.S. patent for the RSA algorithm (# 4,405,829, "Cryptographic Communications System And Method") was issued to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on September 20, 1983, licensed exclusively to RSA Security and expires on September 20, 2000.

"So much misinformation has been spread recently regarding the expiration of the RSA algorithm patent that we wanted to create an opportunity to state the facts," said Art Coviello, chief executive officer of RSA Security. "RSA Security’s commercialization of the RSA patent helped create an entire industry of highly secure, interoperable products that are the foundation of the worldwide online economy. Releasing the RSA algorithm into the public domain now is a symbolic next step in the evolution of this market, as we believe it will cement the position of RSA encryption as the standard in all categories of wired and wireless applications and devices. RSA Security intends to continue to offer the world’s premier implementation of the RSA algorithm and all other relevant encryption technologies in our RSA BSAFE® software solutions and we remain confident in our leadership in the encryption market."

For nearly two decades, more than 800 companies spanning a range of global industries have turned to RSA Security as a trusted, strategic partner that can provide the proven, time-tested encryption implementations and resources designed to speed time to market. These companies, including nearly 200 so far in 2000, rely on RSA BSAFE® security software for its encryption implementation and value-added services for a broad range of B2B, B2C and wireless applications.

During the past 17 years, RSA Security has incorporated the concepts represented by the RSA algorithm into its RSA BSAFE cryptographic software. The company has made continuous enhancements to the way the algorithm has been implemented, including a number of performance improvements and optimizations, not reflected in the original patent, for a wide range of software applications, operating systems and chip designs. RSA Security also is an industry leader in developing standards on the robust application of encryption technologies for solving real-world problems. These core standards, known as the Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), form the underpinnings of today’s most widely used communication methods.

In recent years, encryption technology has taken on an entirely new level of importance in the world of business and consumer technology, and RSA Security continues to be a leader in the industry. Once the province of a small group of technologists and mathematicians, new developments have raised the profile of encryption among a broad range of audiences. Moving forward, electronic signature legislation, export regulation and the pending selection of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) all will contribute significantly to encryption playing a key role in the further expansion of e-commerce initiatives for B2B, B2C and extended enterprise applications.

For more information regarding the RSA algorithm, visit www.rsasecurity.com/total-solution.

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