<P> Computer and network surveillance is the monitoring of computer activity and data stored on a hard drive, or data being transferred over computer networks such as the Internet . The monitoring is often carried out covertly and may be completed by governments, corporations, criminal organizations, or individuals . It may or may not be legal and may or may not require authorization from a court or other independent government agencies . </P> <P> Computer and network surveillance programs are widespread today and almost all Internet traffic can be monitored . </P> <P> Surveillance allows governments and other agencies to maintain social control, recognize and monitor threats, and prevent and investigate criminal activity . With the advent of programs such as the Total Information Awareness program, technologies such as high speed surveillance computers and biometrics software, and laws such as the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act, governments now possess an unprecedented ability to monitor the activities of citizens . </P>

A common way to protect information being sent over a network when long distance is involved is