MG: it's a question: do you imlement security top down, or bottom up? which is the top? the internet, or the computer? it's very taoist-- I don't think there is a correct answer. I do think however that crypto *everywhere* over the internet is a major part of the solution. and yes, NSA is not fully responsible for the lack of it. the patent system & greed is involved in some of the deficiency. but the NSA is responsible for far more than most people realize. are you aware they regularly visit software companies developing crypto to squelch any innovation? basically, through bribes that they call "grants" or "purchase agreements"... you're against commerce on the internet? what are you, a luddite? <g> seriously, I don't have much to say to you, if you oppose it. the internet is already the backbone of a new economy. crypto will help secure it further. ask Ian Golderberg!
Lets be factual: NSA doesn't regulate authentication technology and most of what we need to fix these problems is secure authentication, not confidentiality.
it's an artificial distinction. it's all crypto. standing in front of any of it is standing in front of all of it. the NSA doesn't lead, they block. get out of the way!! you say, a taxpayer of the US should consider himself "getting his money's worth" out of the NSA if the NSA can crack 2048 bit keys. well hee, hee. that's pretty funny. what if they find the bazillionth prime number? would you be getting your money's worth then too? it's the same technology, no? death to the NSA leeches!!! the US taxpayers have been submitting to government-originated *bloodletting* for too long