[Cryptography] TAO, NSA crypto backdoor program

[Paul Ferguson]

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On 12/30/2013 3:09 PM, Peter Gutmann wrote:

 > Phillip Hallam-Baker<hallam at gmail.com>  writes:
 >
 >> >A while back Bruce told me that the Snowden docs show NSA uses every
 >> >attack imaginable. Here is the latest installment. The phrase that
 >> >comes to mind is 'have they no decency?'
 >> >
 >> >http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/nsa-hackers-computers-intercept

 > A real-life supply-chain attack.  Very cool.  While I don't agree with
 > what they're doing, I'm damn impressed at the level they're doing it at.
 > The US taxpayer is really getting their money's worth.

The U.S. taxpayer is getting screwed with their own money. Again.

I am also impressed at the level of effort here. I did not think we would
be "here" -- figuratively speaking -- when everyone was calling Dorothy
Denning the "Wicked Witch of the East" for her support of key escrow back
in the early 90's on the cypherpunk list (I have not been on that list in
many years).

In any event -- and please don't take this the wrong way -- it is almost as
sickening to me as someone telling a rape victim to sit back and enjoy the
ride, or that they should admire their rapist for their technique and
efficacy.

I won't make any ham-handed comparisons to GOP candidates in 2011. :-)

Seriously, the breadth & depth of how the NSA and the U.S. Intelligence
Community has damaged trust in the post-9/11 Internet world is sick &
twisted in the most grotesque way imaginable.

It is not to be respected or admired in any way whatsoever. They have
undermined everything we have been trying to do on the Internet in the name
of safety and security for 20+ years.

Apologies for the short rant, but I *do* have some optimism for 2014 and
beyond. :-)

- - ferg

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-- 
Paul Ferguson
PGP Public Key ID: 0x63546533