In the early '80s, it came to our attention that there was serious lack of privacy and security for communications sent via email. In response to this need, we created the first encryption program for microcomputers based on the "Vernam Cipher" or "One-Time-Pad." People were, in effect, sending "postcards" when they used email, rather than "sealed envelopes."

This program was marketed to users of the Apple II personal computer under the trade name of "Absolute Security," a title that accurately reflected the invulnerable nature of its underlying algorithm. An open contest was conducted in the pages of Softalk magazine, a leading trade publication at that time, challenging all comers to "crack" the code.