Peter Gutmann

Peter created cryptlib to give application developers reusable encryption, identity checking and certificate-handling services, reducing the need to implement these functions afresh. Research into security design and usability, alongside published papers, conference speaking and a substantial tutorial, helps explain where protection can fail in practice. These contributions support software quality through both reusable software and shared technical understanding.

Peter Gutmann is the creator and developer of cryptlib at Digital Data Security, the New Zealand company Peter founded. Originally written as part of doctoral work at the University of Auckland in the mid-1990s, cryptlib was subsequently commercialised to package encryption, identity checking and digital certificate handling into reusable services for application developers.

Peter investigates security system design, implementation weaknesses and usability, including how cognitive psychology helps explain interactions with security systems. Scientific papers on software security and talks at international conferences sit alongside an extensive cryptography tutorial explaining topics from security threats to protecting network connections, connecting rigorous technical foundations with everyday software engineering decisions.

Community contributions include moderating research discussion groups on compression and cryptography. Peter also serves as a Member of the OpenSSL Corporation, whose Members elect the Board and hold leadership to account.