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more on encryption
A great article in today's Wall Street Journal about encryption and how it
works. For those who can't get it online (it's subscription only I
believe), I'll take a shot at hitting a few highlights.
-Nice step-by-step summary of how to encrypt and decrypt a message using
public and private keys.
-Encryption software manufacturers liken using encryption on email to
using an envelope for a letter in the mail. Not using encryption, they
say, it like using a postcard.
-Encryption allows you to include a digital signature with your email,
assurance to the receiver that it was you that actually sent the message.
-Gives URL to download free version of PGP --
http://web.mit.edu/network/pgp.html
-Points out that in order to be useful, both sender and receiver have to
be using software, coordinate and exchange keys.
-Reviews Netscape Communicator encryption procedure that is built-in to
browser. Creates "digital certificate" that authenticates your mail. Also
stores certificates attached to messages you receive from people--if you
want to send them an encoded message you've already got their certificate
"on file" and thus are able to encrypt your message properly (avoiding the
need to exchange keys).
-Finally, has a sidebar about how the FBI wants to require a "backdoor" in
all encryption software, allowing them to "listen in" on email. The reason
why--"Encryption software has gotten so good that criminals could use it
to hide their activities from police."
The argument against--"It would be the equivalent of giving them the keys
to your home and your filing cabinet, which they promise to keep safe down
at the police station."
************************
Michael Manning
Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
manning1@email.unc.edu