From: "Pat Farrell" <pfarrell@netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 94 01:28:25 PST
To: cypherpunks@toad.com
Subject: RE: REAL WORLD ENCRYPTION
Message-ID: <15729.pfarrell@netcom.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain


In message 13 Feb 94 18:38:36 EST, Sandy <72114.1712@CompuServe.COM>  writes:

> I would like to start a new thread.  I want to know what the
> people on this list intend to do with cryptography in the "real
> world."

I believe that real business will be done over the Net using EDI or some
derivative. Given the Net's many security holes, cryptogrphy is needed
for both digital signatures and to ensure that my business plan doesn't
show up in my competitor's inbox.

Most of this could be done with MIME, DHS, DSS, and PEM, if those standards
ever get deployed to the "widespread" user community. But we cypherpunks
must, at least, make sure that the weaknesses in the standards are exposed
and corrected.

> There are a number of Cypherpunk projects on the drawing
> board or already deployed:  Stego, encrypted phones, encrypted
> and anonymous remailers, stealth PGP, a digital bank, etc.  Do
> the folks on this list intend to use these tools, or is your
> interest only theoretical?

I personally think stealth PGP is the wrong direction. Widespread, blatent
acceptance of PGP by the 10 million PC users with modems will do more to
guarentee the legality of PGP than all the CSPR petitions. (Hey, I sent in
mine too, I just don't think that a few thousand voices will be heard)

Digital money is another thing. I think it is great. I'm realy to put $1000
real US dollars into the first bank that has digital money that I can sepnd
on real things. We are probably a ways away from this, but Pr0duct's work is
a great step forward.

Pat

Pat Farrell      Grad Student                 pfarrell@gmu.edu
Department of Computer Science    George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Public key availble via finger          #include <standard.disclaimer>