Deutsche Telekom and Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology (SIT) are launching their “encryption for the people” (Volksverschluesselung) software. It consists of user-friendly software developed by the Fraunhofer SIT and the corresponding infrastructure operated by Deutsche Telekom in a high-security data centre.
Volksverschluesselung is software which generates both the required cryptographic keys, as well as suitably configuring the users' e-mail programmes. For the actual encryption most users do not need a new programme; most e-mail programmes support encryption out of the box if suitable keys are available.
The programme generates the cryptographic keys directly on the user's device. These private keys remain solely in the user's hands and at no time fall into the infrastructure operator's hands. To use the encryption, the software simply needs to be installed and users need to identify themselves as part of a one-time process.
With the initial version, users are identified electronically via the Deutsche Telekom login process or with the aid of an electronic ID card. Users also have the option of registering personally for a range of Fraunhofer SIT events. Registration is soon to be simplified in subsequent stages, for example those interested will be able to show their ID in Telekom Shops to register for Volksverschluesselung.
Once released, Volksverschlüsselung is to be developed on a continuous basis. At present, Windows users can use e-mail programs such as Outlook or Thunderbird for encrypted e-mail communications. In further steps, versions for Mac OS X, Linux, iOS and Android are planned. The software initially supports the S/MIME standard; it will also support OpenPGP in a subsequent step.
