Abstract: A method and system for the communication of a message and for the generation of an encryption key. When a message sender initially addresses a request to a directory service, the request forms the basis of the directory service's search for a recipient address in an encryption key directory provided that the key directory contains the recipient address. The method and system reads out a recipient encryption key that is assigned to the recipient address in the key directory and communicates the recipient encryption key to the sender. The sender, using the recipient key, then encrypts the message and communicates the message to the recipient address.