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Intel sets encryption plan
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January 18, 1999: 1:26 p.m. ET
Company to build encryption capabilities into future computer chips
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Intel Corp. said Monday it is working on new technologies that will allow it to build encryption capabilities into its computer chips.
The Santa Clara, Calif.-based chipmaker will work with RSA Data Security Inc. to provide a common set of hardware and software security resources that will be available later this year.
Encryption scrambles data to protect sensitive information from eavesdroppers. Encryption technology directly built into computer chips will accelerate the data-scrambling process and make it easier for people to encrypt sensitive data in e-mail and Web-based transactions, which frequently contain credit-card information.
"We're entering an age where e-commerce transactions will be conducted on a global network consisting of a billion connected PCs and hundreds of millions of servers. These transactions must be secure," said Michael Glancy, general manager, Intel (INTC) Platform Security division.
"Products from Intel and RSA that incorporate these new security technologies will help ensure that the development of secure applications continues at a rapid pace."
The U.S. Department of Commerce, under regulations proposed by the Clinton administration, recently relaxed rules to allow export of 56-bit encryption software, but it specifically excluded chips from the new rules.
The government has placed restrictions on the export of encryption technology because of fears the technology might be used by terrorists or drug traffickers.
Intel is expected to discuss encryption and other issues at an industry conference that begins Monday in San Jose, Calif. Compaq Computer Corp. (CPQ), the top personal-computer maker, also may discuss building encryption features into future machines, according to the Wall Street Journal.
RSA is a subsidiary of Security Dynamics Technologies Inc. (SDTI), a supplier of security software.
Intel shares finished 1-5/8 higher at 135-3/8 Friday. Security Dynamics rose 2 to 27-1/2, while Compaq climbed 2-1/16 at 46-5/8. 
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