Voltage Security's e-mail encryption system is a slight twist on the current practice of using a combination of security codes--one publicly available and one privately stored--to encrypt and decrypt messages. Using Voltage's approach, the so-called public key is derived from the sender's e-mail address, eliminating one step in the process, according to the company.

"You don't have to go through the process of obtaining a security credential or certificate," said Voltage CEO Sathvik Krishnamurthy.

Although the same security level can be reached using existing public key authentication systems, Voltage executives say the simplicity of their software could draw businesses that are interested in more secure e-mail but have been daunted by the work required to put such a system in place.

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