Identity-Based Encryption and Beyond

In June 2008, the US National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) held a workshop entitled, "Applications of Pairing Based Cryptography: Identity-Based Encryption and Beyond," in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In a series of 14 talks and two panel discussions, the presenters at this workshop discussed several aspects of identity-based encryption (IBE) and related pairing-based public-key schemes, including the history of the technology, applications for which it is well suited, and potential future developments. Copies of the presentations are now available on the workshop\´s Web site (www.nist.gov/ibe/). Close to 100 people from a wide range of security vendors, government agencies and academic institutions attended the event; this installment of Crypto Corner takes a closer look at all the events.