At 03:04 PM 8/16/96 -0700, Eric Blossom wrote:

Communication Security Corporation

For More Information: Eric Blossom (707) 577-0409 Press Contact: Terri Thatcher (408) 265-7703 Triple DES Encryption Now Available For Telephone Privacy Protection Santa Rosa, Calif., August 16, 1996, -- The Communication Security Corporation today announced availability of the CS8191. The first telephone security device built using uncompromised cryptography, based on 168--bit key triple DES.

Triple DES encryption technology provides an uncompromised level of security (72 quadrillion times stronger against a brute force attack) than products based on the US Data Encryption Standard (single DES). In addition, unlike the government's "Clipper" proposal, the CS8191 does not reveal or "escrow" the encryption keys with third parties.

So does this use that previously-announced NTT encryption chip?

The CS8191 has been designed to work with conventional analog telephone systems (POTS). The unit connects between your telephone and the wall. In 'clear' mode, your telephone continues to work as it normally does. Pressing the 'go secure' button encrypts conversations. Communication Security has also incorporated a leading-edge speech coder. Voice clarity is undisturbed whether the system is in 'secure' or 'clear' mode.

Is this some sort of standardized interface? Or are we in for the crypto equivalent of the Tower of Babel? Jim Bell jimbell@pacifier.com