A type of asymmetric cryptography based on mathematics of
groups that are defined by the points on a curve, where the curve
is defined by a quadratic equation in a finite field. [Schn]
Tutorial: ECC is based on mathematics different than that
originally used to define the Diffie-Hellman-Merkle algorithm and
the DSA, but ECC can be used to define an algorithm for key
agreement that is an analog of Diffie-Hellman-Merkle [A9063] and
an algorithm for digital signature that is an analog of DSA
[A9062]. The mathematical problem upon which ECC is based is
believed to be more difficult than the problem upon which Diffie-
Hellman-Merkle is based and, therefore, that keys for ECC can be
shorter for a comparable level of security.