22-09-2008, 09:37 AM
ECC is a public key encryption technique based on elliptic curve theory. ECC can be used to create faster, smaller and more efficient cryptographic keys. It generates keys through the properties of the elliptic curve equation rather than the traditional method of generation, as the product of very large prime numbers. This technology can be used in conjunction with most of the public key encryption methods such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman.
ECC can yield a level of security with a 164-bit key compared with other systems that require a 1,024-bit key. Since ECC provides an equivalent security at a lower computing power and battery resource usage, it is widely used for mobile applications. ECC was developed by Certicom, a mobile e-business security provider and was recently licensed by Hifn, a manufacturer of integrated circuitry and network security products. Many manufacturers, including 3COM, Cylink, Motorola, Pitney Bowes, Siemens, TRW and VeriFone have incorporated support for ECC in their products .