Computers are getting faster and faster. This means that the means to break cryptography is getting better and better and cryptography has to improve just to stay ahead. It also means that the tools we use and end users must improve to stay ahead of "the bad guys", whoever they are.

Connectivity and access are increasing and improving at an accelerating rate. This increases our exposure to attacks and vulnerabilities. With the improvements in techniques for breaking into systems and stealing information, the need to be able to protect that information securely against present and future attacks becomes critical.

Companies now exist which require the network for their very survival. Attack their ability to exist and operate on the network and you do very real damage. Cryptography is one way to protect that critical resource.

More and more, individuals are relying on the network for personal activities and for transacting business.

There is real significant value on the network in content, communications, and commerce. This value can be compromised, stolen, or destroyed. Cryptography is a powerful tool for protecting that real value.