Authentication: A Prominent Issue for Data Communications

As data communication grows in importance, so the security aspects of this area demand greater attention. Of all the security issues affecting EDI, electronic authentication is a kingpin. Without the legal safeguards of authentication, the promise of electronic trading cannot be realized. Standardization and appropriate technology are the two essentials for successful authentication. Describes some packaged products which facilitate application of encryption‐based software and hardware authenticity for EDI systems. The belief that the facilities of X.400 will protect EDI are ill‐founded.