Industry split over computer data secrecy issue

Article Abstract:

An emerging rift between hardware and software makers is reducing the likelihood that the industry can present a united face on the encryption debate. Observers expect the government to release a new proposal on the export of encryption software. Encryption software currently has to be weakened before it can be exported, a legacy of the Cold War, when it was considered a military secret. Hardware makers urge a new standard, but they want strict limitations on the technology allowed out of the country. Software makes claim that the reduced security offered in their products reduces sales abroad and want a more lenient exportation standard. The industry wants to avoid any repeat of the 'Clipper Chip' proposal, which placed the key to decoding any data in the hands of the government. Observers believe that the proposal has not emerged because government officials had not yet reached a consensus on the standards to be imposed.

Standards, Computer industry, Laws, regulations and rules, Government Regulation, Government Activity

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U.S. data code is unscrambled in 56 hours

Article Abstract:

Two researchers broke the Government's Data Encryption Standard (DES) data-scrambling code in a record 56 hours, fueling debate on the US export policy on encryption technology. John Gilmore and Paul Kocher used a homemade computer valued at $250,000 to win the contest sponsored by computer-security software company RSA Data Security. They also defeated a network of nearly 20,000 computers, including some of the world's most powerful supercomputers, that utilized distributed computing. DES is a 56-bit key form that banks and other financial institutions traditionally use to safeguard funds transmission and other high-security transactions. The Government says its less secure 40-key bits code protects users that include numerous banks, financial institutions and Government agencies. Critics of the Government's encryption software policy believe the contest proves terrorists or other criminals can crack the code easily.

Safety and security measures

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Taking a computer crime to heart

Article Abstract:

Computer hackers broke into a computer security expert's home system using a new break-in method that has prompted a government computer agency to issue a warning to users of the Internet. At least four computer systems at universities across the U.S. have been attacked by the computer hackers. The computer security expert, Tsutomu Shimomura, is developing a software program that will prevent similar break-ins and will distribute the program free on the Internet. Shimomura is also interested in helping the FBI to catch the hackers and says that although these hackers are pretty intelligent, they still made some mistakes that he believes will allow them to discovered. The hackers entered his home system through the network at his workplace and stole e-mail messages and files, leaving behind threatening voice mail.

Internet, Crime, Computer crime, Computer crimes, Computer hackers, Hacker

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