The benefits of these new applications will drive a widespread demand for universal secure messaging. Universal secure messaging is the key enabler for E-commerce, and it will become increasingly important to get secure messaging onto everyone's desktop. Four simple goals define the requirement for secure messaging. A system that does not meet all of these goals is not viable. Although reliability is not always considered a part of security, most end users associate security with a higher grade 'courier' type service, and so high reliability is a prerequisite to the other security services.
Data confidentiality is the key security feature that most users associate with secure messaging.
One aspect is encrypting messages so that they cannot be intercepted in transit. Other aspects include ensuring that passwords are never sent in the clear over a network, and ensuring that service operators and administrators cannot gain access to user data. It is important for users to have confidence that the message originator is who they believe it to be, and to have this verified using secure techniques. It must be easy to use for any user, including transparent security, and fit in naturally and easily with the user's current way of working. It must be accessible to individuals, as well as large organizations.