DSA encryption

Hi,

Apparently RSA is suitable for encryption as the algorithm has message
recoverability and reversability characteristics. DSA does not have
these characteristics and so is not (I've heard there are some kinds of
DSA encryption "schemes" though).

I'm guessing RSA encryption (albeit slow) is just an extension of its
key distribution mechanism. DSA has no such capability and relies upon
the KEA protocol (based on DH). However DH allows key agreement but in
no way provides encryption functionality (other than through the
session key established). I'm confused...

Been trying to figure this out with Schneier's 'Applied Crypto' and
alot of googling but don't seem to be looking in the right places. I
thought this likely to have already been answered here but can't find
that either!

Can somebody explain or provide pointers for info?

tia
Ben
Received on Mon May 1 01:57:33 2006