RSA Security Inc. unexpectedly released the widely used RSA public-key encryption algorithm into the public domain ahead of this week's expiration of the patent on the algorithm -- a move that's ...

RSA Security says it has released its public key encryption algorithm into the public domain, waiving its patent rights.

Encryption is essential for protecting data, with both symmetric and asymmetric methods offering unique advantages.

Internet security firm RSA warns customers not to use a community-developed encryption algorithm after fears it can be unlocked by the US National Security Agency.