Abstract: The invention provides for encrypting electronic information such as a document so that only users with permission may access the document in decrypted form. The process of encrypting the information includes selecting a set of policies as to who may access the information and under what conditions. A remote server stores a unique identifier for the information and associates an encryption/decryption key pair and access policies with the information. Software components residing on the author's computer retrieve the encryption key from the remote server, encrypt the information, and store the encrypted information at a location chosen by the author. A user wishing to access the information acquires the encrypted information electronically.