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1995-03-03
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2KB
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Networks scramble for online security
Computers: Some bemoan U.S. regulations that forbid export of encryption
programs.
By Elizabeth Weisse
San Francisco - Despite the arrest of the FBI's most-wanted hacker,
computer-system operators are scrambling to put virtual locks in what may be
a futile attempt to protect themselves. "We're doing what we can, but it's
impossible to give people the world with a fence around it," said Bruce Katz,
owner of the Sausalito-based WELL, one of the networks hacker Kevin D. Mitnick
is accused of invading.
While Mitnick is one of the best-known hackers, networks are concerned
about the hundreds of others who also get thrills breakinf into computers.
Computer security is a daunting task. The global Internet was designed for
researchers to collaborate, not for high security.
In the case of the WELL, Mitnick's alleged security breach was so severe
that technicians will have to rebuild the system from scratch next week.
That's [similiar] the order of evacuating a small town so police can search
for bombs. The WELL's 10,000 users comprise a tight,albeit virtual,community.
Prosecutors say the man called the nation's most-wanted computer
infiltrator commandered cellular-phone circuits to raid corporate computer
systems and steal information worth more than $1 million, including at least
20,000 credit-card numbers. With hacking of that magnitude going on, companies
that do business over the Internet were already wary, and they're getting
warier."This whole sorry mess could have been avoided - and the blame can be
laid directly at the door of the government for suppressing strong
cryptographic applications," Berkeley consultant Bruce Koball said.
Cryptographic computer program allow users to code and decode messages.
Currently, online communications are like post cards - anyone can read
anything. Programs to encode messages are considered munitions under U.S. arms
regulations and cannot be exported.
Several companies, including Apple and Microsoft, plan to release easy-
to-use cryptography as part of their E-mail systems in the next year. The
encryption scheme they're using, RC$,has an OK from the government. "Nothing
you put on a computer which you share with 8,000 of your closest friends
should be regarded as secret," Pettitt said.
O.C. Register Saturday, Feb. 18, 1995
News page 12
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