Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating secure symmetric encryption/decryption via the Internet. The present method provides for a more advanced and sophisticated manner of preventing hackers from accessing sensitive and private information. Information is encrypted and decrypted using unique keys in combination with the recipient's PIN numbers. Each unique key corresponds to one recipient and is locally stored on the recipient's computer device. Thus, in order to decrypt information using the present invention, the recipient is required to provide the correct password while using the computer device that includes the unique key.

Abstract: In an improved election process, a voter constructs his or her vote message (potentially padded with a random string) and encrypts it. The voter then signs the encrypted vote and posts the signed, encrypted, vote on a bulletin board. After the voting booths have closed, a set of talliers decrypt the encrypted votes with the aid of the mix network, to obtain the final tally, but without revealing or being able to notice the relationship between votes cast and votes in the tally.