In message 13 Feb 94 18:38:36 EST, Sandy <72114.1712@CompuServe.COM> writes:
I would like to start a new thread. I want to know what the people on this list intend to do with cryptography in the "real world."
I believe that real business will be done over the Net using EDI or some derivative. Given the Net's many security holes, cryptogrphy is needed for both digital signatures and to ensure that my business plan doesn't show up in my competitor's inbox. Most of this could be done with MIME, DHS, DSS, and PEM, if those standards ever get deployed to the "widespread" user community. But we cypherpunks must, at least, make sure that the weaknesses in the standards are exposed and corrected.
There are a number of Cypherpunk projects on the drawing board or already deployed: Stego, encrypted phones, encrypted and anonymous remailers, stealth PGP, a digital bank, etc. Do the folks on this list intend to use these tools, or is your interest only theoretical?
I personally think stealth PGP is the wrong direction. Widespread, blatent acceptance of PGP by the 10 million PC users with modems will do more to guarentee the legality of PGP than all the CSPR petitions. (Hey, I sent in mine too, I just don't think that a few thousand voices will be heard) Digital money is another thing. I think it is great. I'm realy to put $1000 real US dollars into the first bank that has digital money that I can sepnd on real things. We are probably a ways away from this, but Pr0duct's work is a great step forward. Pat Pat Farrell Grad Student pfarrell@gmu.edu Department of Computer Science George Mason University, Fairfax, VA Public key availble via finger #include <standard.disclaimer>