The debate over the U.S. digital signature standard

Article Abstract:

Cryptography is used extensively by the National Security Agency (NSA), the largest US intelligence agency. Private industry is influenced by the NSA's development of cryptography tools and by decisions that affect encryption equipment exports. The de-facto international encryption standard is the Rivest-Shanir-Adelman (RSA) algorithm. However, the NSA is pushing for the proposed Digital Signature Standard (DSS). The National Institute of Standards at one time was prepared to recommend RSA for US government use and endorsement, but proposed the DSS standard in Aug 1991. The basis of DSS is the public-key technique of discrete logarithms published by Taher ElGamal in 1985. The NSA can make codes and also break them in order to intercept intelligence from international telecommunications traffic. The open research question in the field of cryptography is the possibility for the creator of a DSS modulus to construct the prime so that the calculation of the secret key can be used to forge DSS signatures of anyone using the prime. The situation creates many concerns among private industry firms.

Standards, Laws, regulations and rules, Standard, Standardization, Cover Story, Endorsements, Public key encryption, United States. National Institute of Standards and Technology, United States. National Security Agency, Cryptography, Digital Signals, National Government, Public Key Cryptosystems

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Satellites and artificial intelligence promise improved safety and efficiency

Article Abstract:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pursuing next-generation weather radar, satellites, global air-traffic digital telecommunications, and artificial intelligence to improve air traffic control. About 14,000 US air traffic controllers handle over 180,000 flights daily, with the total expected to increase in 10-to-15 years. The FAA, though, expects to operate at 1980 budget levels and reduced staff in the year 2000 through use of advanced technologies. Several of these technologies are discussed. They include the Nexrad next-generation Doppler weather radar system for improved weather surveillance, CTAS (Center/Tracon Automation System) set of algorithms and expert systems for more tightly funneling airplanes to airports, on-board wind shear detection systems and other intelligence, global digital communications and Aera automated air traffic control system.

Regulation, admin. of transportation, Industrial research, Artificial intelligence, Air traffic control, United States. Federal Aviation Administration, Performance improvement (Computers), Computer Systems, Research and Development, Government Funding, Performance Improvement, Government aid

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Extracting power from the Amazon basin

Article Abstract:

Brazil's Amazon basin contains six of the world's longest rivers and offers five percent of the global hydroelectric potential. Efforts to exploit the Amazon basin's relatively cheap, 'renewable' power have resulted in the Tucurui dam, whose power plant will eventually have the capacity of six large nuclear plants, as well as the ill-fated, long-delayed Balbina dam. Economic recession and criticism by such entities as the World Bank have caused Brazil to modify its initial strategy of unbridled expansion of generation capacity. The country is now installing more efficient equipment, implementing better industrial processes, and promoting conservation in developing its Amazon resources.

Economics, Brazil, Ecology, Financing, Hydroelectric Power, Government

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