IBM makes encryption breakthrough

Craig Gentry has discovered a way to analyse intentionally encrypted information without any impact on confidentiality.

The technique, known as fully homomorphic encryption, will allow IT companies storing data on behalf of others to undertake in-depth analysis of it without actually seeing the data.

IBM's vice president of software research Charles Lickel said Mr Gentry's work could have major implications for privacy, data security and cryptography.

He added: "We believe this breakthrough will enable businesses to make more informed decisions, based on more studied analysis, without compromising privacy."

IBM suggested that fully homomorphic encryption has a number of potential commercial uses, including enabling cloud computing vendors to analyse sales data on behalf of clients without breaching privacy and enhancing the security of medical records stored online.

News of the breakthrough comes just days after IBM launched a new secure virtual meeting product called Virtual Collaboration for Lotus Sametime.

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