Besides the traditional protection of confidence by now encryption systems are mainly used e.g. for digital copyright protection, digital signatures, and digital cash. But still in Germany cryptography is not used in the required degree. The necessary security awareness is lacking frequently even though considerable losses can be caused by espionage, manipulation, or destruction of data. German crypto manufacturers would have a good chance of keeping up with international competition, if appropriate conditions are ensured. In view of the strategic meaning of the cryptographic sector many important industrial states spare no effort in order to strengthen their economical and technical capacities.
Cryptographic methods are of outstanding importance for efficient technical crime protection.
That applies to ensuring of authenticity and integrity in data traffic as well as protection of confidence. This could cause serious problems for law enforcement. Lawful surveillance ordered by a court has to remain effective even if the target guards concerned information with a cryptographic system. Up to now abuse of encryption constitutes no serious problem for law enforcement. However there can t be derived a forecast from this.