IBM announced that it will offer <A HREF="http://www.cio.com/blog_view.html?CID=20075">a chip-based encryption method</A> that has the potential to significantly simplify and reduce the costs of how data is secured on computers, PDAs, cell phones and other electronic devices. The "Secure Blue" technology encrypts or scrambles all data it processes via a part of a microprocessor designed specifically for this reason. According to IBM, the new technology can resist the trickery of even the most skilled hackers.