December 2003 - cypherpunks-legacy

Re: remailer spam throttle
by dlv＠bwalk.dm.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

I'm a bit behind on my e-mail again... paul(a)fatmans.demon.co.uk writes: > > > > Well, they can compile the list of addresses off of USENET postings and > > > > such and then compute the hashes of the compiled names and identify > > > > those that are on the anon acceptance list. Not that it completely > > > > invalidates the idea, but certainly it is a problem. > > > > If a time delay isn`t a problem a remailer could operate on the list > > with a MAC, if someone wants to find out if a name is on the list > > they submit a request to the remailer operator who daily executes a > > batch job using a (memorised) key to verify the hashes against one > > another. > > Another idea I just had. > > Alice`s remailer recieves a message for Bob. > > The remailer blinds the message with the prime p, sends bob the > blinded message, a product pq and a random number, x, all the remailer > keeps is q and x. Bob, to retrieve the message as cleartext sends the > remailer x and a request in return the remailer sends bob q, bob > divides pq by q to get p and unblinds the message... Any comments? This is cute, but if Bob has enough clue to do this, then Bob can probably handle anonymous e-mail whose content he doesn't like... --- Dr.Dimitri Vulis KOTM Brighton Beach Boardwalk BBS, Forest Hills, N.Y.: +1-718-261-2013, 14.4Kbps

1 0

Re: Spam a *GOOD* thing for remailers?
by dlv＠bwalk.dm.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

"William H. Geiger III" <whgiii(a)amaranth.com> writes: > I know there has been much talk on how to limit the use of remailers by > spamers. I wonder if this is the correct approach to take on this. > > Spam could provide the perfect "cover" for anonymous messages. If you have > a SPAM mailer pumping out 500,000 messages a day one could hide 10-20,000 > anonymous messages without anyone ever noticing. > > I just don't see how SPAM is ever going to be stoped, too much $$$ > involved. I do think that we can take advantage of the SPAM. Using $$$ from > the spamers we could set up a world wide remailer network. In addition to > this the volume of spam going through these remailers would provide the > perfect cover for anonymous messages. I think if properly set-up it would > make traffic analysis next to impossible. > > Also by working with the spamers we could modify some of their behaviors. > An example would be on certian remailers would allow spam. Other remailers > would be "off-limits" to the spamers though we would syphon off a % of the > traffic from the spam remailer and run them through the non-spam remailers > to be used as cover for the non-spam messages. We would also put non-spam > messages through the spam remailers. > > With this approach I can see us having 1,000's of remailers rather than the > 10 or 20 that are currently running now. I defend the spammer's freedom to spam because spam is speech. Technology solutions to make is easier for the weak-minded to ignore spam and not to be bothered by it would be cool. Hopefully when I finish the spambot, it'll change the face of Usenet forever. --- Dr.Dimitri Vulis KOTM Brighton Beach Boardwalk BBS, Forest Hills, N.Y.: +1-718-261-2013, 14.4Kbps

1 0

Re: hi-tech ROT-13
by dlv＠bwalk.dm.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

Bill Stewart <stewarts(a)ix.netcom.com> writes: > At 05:37 PM 4/1/97 -0500, Andy Dustman wrote: > >consider this a compromise between normal blocking (deliver unless told > >otherwise) and middleman (get someone else to deliver it), which I would > >sum up as: Ask permission before delivering the first time, and once > >granted, deliver until told otherwise. > > An alternative approach is > - ask before delivering _every_ time, unless > - accept deliver-without-asking-again responses to cookies. > This leaves the recipient the middle ground of > granting permission for one message without granting it for all future > messages, which is probably good for people unfamiliar with remailers. > (Also, the permission-once == permission-always model doesn't stop > spamming - a spammer can send a whole bunch of messages to the recipient, > and if the recipient's response to the first "You have anon-mail" cookie is > "That's interesting, let's see what it is", they get all the spam.) I got a 60MB mailbomb the other day which didn't bother me a least bit. That wasn't done via the remailers; it came via worldnet.att.net's open smtp server. The initial form letter asking for permission should warn about the possibility of their getting a large amount of crap. However it's just as easy to get a throwaway account and mailbomb someone via that. I say: discard (don't keep) e-mail for folks who haven't explicitly unblocked themselves; treat "unblock" as "unblock everything and face the consequences". Letting the user impose some sort of constraint on the size of the e-mail being remailed is actually a dumb idea: * any half-decent mail handler should do it on the user's side * they can be mailbomed by a 1000 little messages --- Dr.Dimitri Vulis KOTM Brighton Beach Boardwalk BBS, Forest Hills, N.Y.: +1-718-261-2013, 14.4Kbps

1 0

PGP-Domo...
by harka＠nycmetro.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- On another mailing-list, there has been a lengthy discussion going on about encrypting the list-traffic or not. Although I personally agree, that encrypting a public mailing list is kind of useless I would like to know from a technical perspective if PGPdomo supports _both_ PGP and plain-text simultaneously on the same mailing list (if no public key available, send plain-text, otherwise encrypt). Also, considering the time it takes to encrypt/sign a message for each individual user (assuming they use pgp), isn't that too much overhead for the list-server, when we deal with a few hundred people and maybe traffic like on cypherpunks? Any experiences from PGP-Domo users/admins would be greatly appreciated. Ciao Harka /*************************************************************/ /* This user supports FREE SPEECH ONLINE ...more info at */ /* and PRIVATE ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS! -> http://www.epic.org */ /* E-mail: harka(at)nycmetro.com (PGP-encrypted mail pref'd) */ /* PGP public key available upon request. [KeyID: 04174301] */ /* F-print: FD E4 F8 6D C1 6A 44 F5 28 9C 40 6E B8 94 78 E8 */ /*<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>*/ /* May there be peace in this world, may all anger dissolve */ /* and may all living beings find the way to happiness... */ /*************************************************************/ ... Microsoft - "Where do you want to crash today?" ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30 [NR] -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.6.2 iQEVAgUBM0NCbTltEBIEF0MBAQFasAf+ODKv3pX/bCZy66coA9SCGaB2BUgWEPfv n42WokKZY9HY/WrRLJ4vTtbiJs+p7i9vJA37VUy7I/vAZJ5fFQOHYCWS9g8Mpxtn kOmDoIj7grfNXDEgYa91+Shv5xEJXo62bGnW+YlX7TNeb3buQj2H91ova4Jk3oci sBKFSRLf5EDtOjBOBXcxy1V232k2wLoefSvVORWmjHtEyzCdstenCv4jjEf5LF+E uIzBr7+MmzJPK49lM17izHTpBv/LALBvyD2lq1IfJl0psnfbFtL2SMJeOAVdkQe/ Hqn8qeNHpLwuvPTO/QZP85aMRnHCNVVJaeHJpLJnX3pMVrLjCOGC3g== =7xD4 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- If encryption is outlawed, only outlaws will have encryption...

3 2

Hettinga rants Nationally at 8PM on the Talk America Radio Network
by Robert Hettinga 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

Kevin Miller, the same talk show host from Cleveland that I talked to yesterday afternoon, is going to have me reprise yesterday's Cleveland rant about e$, geodesic markets/societies, strong crypto, etc., on his First Opinion radio show, at 8PM EST tonight, on the Talk America Radio Network. Talk America's site is http://www.talkamerica.com, and it has an affiliate station list (they're pretty much everywhere, but you have to look for them) and program schedules for their two networks. I seem to be on Talk America Network 1, which puts me in the company of such august luminaries as Col. Bo Gritz. :-). I can see Vinnie grinning now, in his official capacity as my Samoan Attorney. :-). Talk America also seems to have an internet audio feed, but it uses a non-RealAudio package called Xing. YMMV. Finally, the call-in line during the show is 1-800-298-8255. I encourage cypherpunks to call in, identify themselves as such, and straighten folks out about the latest Clintonista crypto KRA outrage. Though, yesterday, I core-dumped so much stuff that we got a total of 2 calls in edgewise. :-). It was ever thus, it seems... This one hour show makes me 45 minutes overdrawn on my Warholian 15 minute fame allocation. Hope I can make the best of it. Also, it may get worse. I committed on the air yesterday to come back once a month or so, at least to Cleveland, and maybe nationally. The ganglia twitch. As they say, stay tuned... Cheers, Bob Hettinga ----------------- Robert Hettinga (rah(a)shipwright.com) Philodox e$, 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA Lesley Stahl: "You mean *anyone* can set up a web site and compete with the New York Times?" Andrew Kantor: "Yes." Stahl: "Isn't that dangerous?" The e$ Home Page: http://www.shipwright.com/

1 0

BIG BROTHER (qoute without comment)
by Dave Emery 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

----- Forwarded message from A.Fullerton ----- anonymous wrote: I've got a little story I'd like to tell. There's been a thread in the scanner newsgroups lately about Radio Shack giving their sales lists to the FBI. Now, I KNOW a lot of baloney circulates through the newsgroups. This particular thread is said to have started with the Richard Jewell Atlanta bombing case when the FBI investigated electronics parts purchases at Radio Shack. And, I don't break the law with my scanner, so I don't care who knows that I have one. But let me tell a story that happened about a month ago. I got up very early one morning and turned on my scanner and heard the police that serve the warrants ("We like to pick up everyone before breakfast" is a quote from a local warrant server). The dispatcher said that the FBI had located a friend of mine who was staying in a local Motel 6 and that there was a warrant for his arrest. He was picked up (it was a mistake) and when he asked how they knew he was there, they told him that Motel 6 gives their guest list to the FBI every day. I could not belive this! I told him that there was any number of ways that they could have found him. But about a week ago, I heard one of the warrant servers say something about Motel 6 and their FBI arrangement. I am absolutely appalled that this goes on. I don't appreciate the fact that if I stay at any motel, that an FBI agent might view my name on a guest list. It's nobody's business where I sleep (or buy a battery from an ill-informed salesman). Whew........I feel better. Thanks for allowing me to rant. I posted a similar post to the thread in the newsgroup (anonymously) so escuse me if you've already read this. Thanks, Andy Fullerton ----- End of forwarded message from A.Fullerton -----

5 4

Quantum Computers
by Bill Stewart 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert/archive/dilbert970322.html

1 0

Re: Raid on Jim Bell story may actually be real....
by John Young 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

I spoke with Jim Bell last night at his home in Vancouver, WA, and he confirmed the story. He has not been arrested but his equipment has been confiscated. No e-mail possible until he gets access to other machinery. He says he's surprised that it has taken so long for Sam to respond. He can be reached at 1-360-696-3911 Now this assumes that the person I spoke to is Jim Bell and not the USG in AP clothing, and that the entire AP gambit is not a sting.

2 1

Crypto Sabots
by John Young 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

American Banker, April 2, 1997: Consortium Formed For Data Security Carlisle, Pa.: The data encryption community has a new advocacy group: the Cryptography Products Consortium. Organized under the auspices of the National Computer Security Association, the consortium said it aims to "foster interoperability and transparency of cryptography products" and define and advance the common goals" of vendors and system integrators. The charter members are many of the companies active in data security as it relates to electronic banking and commerce. They include the smart card manufacturers Gemplus and Schlumberger as well as BBN Corp., Cylink Corp., Pretty Good Privacy Inc., Rainbow Technologies Inc., RSA Data Security Inc., Sterling Commerce, Trust Information Systems Inc., and V-One Corp. -----

1 0

EVENT! Rep. Rick White to hold live online town hall meeting 4/10!
by Shabbir Safdar 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

========================================================================= _ _ __| | ___ _ __ ___ ___ ___ _ __ __ _ ___ _ _ _ __ ___| |_ / _` |/ _ \ '_ ` _ \ / _ \ / __| '__/ _` |/ __| | | | | '_ \ / _ \ __| | (_| | __/ | | | | | (_) | (__| | | (_| | (__| |_| |_| | | | __/ |_ \__,_|\___|_| |_| |_|\___/ \___|_| \__,_|\___|\__, (_)_| |_|\___|\__| |___/ Government Without Walls _________________________________________________________________________ Update No.3 http:/www.democracy.net/ April 3 1997 _________________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents - Join Internet Caucus Co-Founder Rick White (R-WA) Live Online April 10. - Background on Rep. White - Upcoming Events - About democracy.net ___________________________________________________________________________ JOIN INTERNET CAUCUS-CO FOUNDER REP. RICK WHITE (R-WA) LIVE ONLINE! Representative Rick White (R-WA), co-founder of the Congressional Internet Caucus and leader on Internet policy issues, will be the guest at democracy.net's first live, interactive 'town hall meeting' on Thursday April 10 at 8:30 pm ET (5:30 pm PST). The town hall meeting, moderated by Wired Magazine's Todd Lappin, will be completely virtual. The discussion will be cybercast live via RealAudio, and listeners can join a simultaneous interactive chat discussion and pose questions to Rep. White. This is a unique opportunity for Internet users to discuss current Internet issues, including efforts to reform US Encryption policy, the future of the Communications Decency Act, the activities of the Congressional Internet Caucus, and others. Details on the event, including instructions on how you can submit questions in advance, are attached below. ____________________________________________________________________________ INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE * Interactive Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Rick White (R-WA) * DATE: Thursday, April 10, 1997 TIME: 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST LOCATION: http://www.democracy.net In advance of the town hall meeting, please visit http://www.democracy.net and fill out the form to ask Rep. White a question. We will collect the questions and forward them to the moderator on the day of the event, and will make every effort to ensure that questions from constituents are asked first. 1. Attend and ask Rep. White a question! Please mark this date in your calendar: Thursday April 10, 5:30PM PST at http://democracy.net/ 2. Get your friends and co-workers to join the discussion Members of Congress love to hear from their constituents. If you have friends that live in the district, please forward this invitation and encourage them to attend. _____________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND Congressman Rick White, 43, is serving his second term representing the people of the First Congressional District of Washington state, which includes parts of Seattle, Redmond, and surrounding areas. In 1995, White gained national attention through his work on the Internet and high-technology issues. He was one of a handful of members selected to develop the final Telecommunications Act of 1996. As the founder of the Congressional Internet Caucus, he has worked to educate members of Congress about the Internet and to create a more open, participatory government through the use of technology. Additional Information can be found at the following locations: * Rep. Rick White's Home Page -- http://www.house.gov/white/ * democracy.net Page -- http://www.democracy.net/ _______________________________________________________________________________ UPCOMING EVENTS Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Internet policy leader from Silicon Valley, will be the guest at democracy.net's interactive 'town hall meeting' on Wednesday April 16 at 8:30 pm ET (5:30 pm PST). Visit http://www.democracy.net for more details. _______________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT DEMOCRACY.NET The democracy.net is a joint project of the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) and the Voters Telecommunications Watch (VTW) to explore ways of enhancing citizen participation in the democratic process via the Internet. To this end, democracy.net will host live, interactive cybercasts of Congressional Hearings and online town hall meetings with key policy makers. democracy.net is made possible through the generous support of WebActive, Public Access Networks, the Democracy Network, and DIGEX Internet. More information about the project and its sponsors can be found at http://www.democracy.net/about/ To receive democracy.net announcements automatically, please visit our signup form at http://www.democracy.net/ _____________________________________________________________________________ End update no.3 04/03/1997 =============================================================================

2 1