On Thu, 3 Aug 1995, Jim Ray wrote:
Doesn't the NSA certify the security of cryptosystems? I wonder what they'd say about PGP?
Their consultant, Prof. Dorothy Demming(sp?), has been asked this very question about PGP, and she deftly avoided comment on both PGP and IDEA. [I believe this was on NPR, but I'm not certain.] The emergence of NSA from absolutely secret agency to semi-public status (writing letters, P.R. concerns, opening a museum, etc.) at the same time as the general availability of what's considered by many [including me] to be strong, free, cryptography "for the masses" is interpreted by many [including me] as an implicit NSA comment on the availability of strong crypto in general, and on the availability of PGP in particular.
I'm afraid I don't follow. Are you saying that the NSA is assuming a more public role because (apparently) stong crypto is now widely available to the public? I don't see the connection between A and B if this is what you are claiming. Unless they're gearing up for a PR campaign... I wonder how the NSA has been portrayed in Hollywood in the past. I've just seen them mentioned in one movie I can think about ("Crimson Tide"). Anyone else know of references? "Freedom is meaningless unless | ic58@jove.acs.unt.edu - James Childers you can give to those with whom| No man's freedom is safe you disagree." - Jefferson | while Congress is in session EA 73 53 12 4E 08 27 6C 21 64 28 51 92 0E 7C F7