Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 23:05:23 -0700 (MST) From: Wes Peters <softweyr@xmission.com> To: pgiffuni@fps.biblos.unal.edu.co Cc: security@freebsd.org Subject: Exportable crypt ???? Message-ID: <199611260605.XAA01593@obie.softweyr.com> In-Reply-To: <329AA285.610B@ingenieria.ingsala.unal.edu.co> References: <329AA285.610B@ingenieria.ingsala.unal.edu.co>
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Pedro Giffuni S. writes:
> The only place where I could find MMDF was in ftp.arl.mil:/pub/.
> While I was there, I also found a program called BRL-CAD, and the
> NON_USA_README said:
>
> > We are looking for volunteers willing to be a "mirror" FTP site located
> > in Europe.
> >
> > Recipients without the UNIX "crypt" command will need to get the file
> > "enigma.c" located in this directory, which builds a public-domain
> > substitute for UNIX "crypt".
>
> Itīs seems like an invitation to export an encryption program to me !
> But now, they are the US army, they donīt have to ask for permission, do
> they? (BTW, is that constitutional?)
Not all encryption software is illegal to export; I believe the
limitations are based on the key size. Good ol' enigma.c, which has
been kicking around UNIX in various forms since '72 or '74, uses a
small enough key that nobody cares. It is based on a hardware device
used by the Germans in WWII, known as the "Enigma Rotor." It is
important to note that it was cracked by cryptographers working for
the British Gov't early in the war; things encrypted with enigma are
*certainly* not going to confuse MI5. ;^)
--
"Where am I, and what am I doing in this handbasket?"
Wes Peters Softweyr LLC
http://www.xmission.com/~softweyr softweyr@xmission.com
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