ABSTRACT

Throughout history, the best way to keep information secure has been to hide it from those without a need to know. Before there was written language, the practice of information security arose when humans used euphemisms or code words to refer to communications they wanted to protect. With the advent of the computer in modern times, information was often protected by its placement on mainframes locked in fortified rooms, accessible only to those who were trusted employees and capable of communicating in esoteric programming languages.