Introduction to Authentication and Key Establishment

Abstract

Authentication and key establishment are fundamental steps in setting up secure communications. Authentication is concerned with knowing that the correct parties are communicating; key establishment is concerned with obtaining good cryptographic keys to protect the communications, particularly to provide confidentiality and integrity of the data communicated. Because the modern world increasingly relies on digital networks, the security of communications is a critical element in the functioning of society today, and will become only more important in the future.