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.