From: David Lesher <wb8foz@nrk.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 1996 22:33:00 +0800
To: snow@crash.suba.com (Snow)
Subject: Re: trusting the processor chip
In-Reply-To: <Pine.LNX.3.91.960427002329.371K-100000@crash.suba.com>
Message-ID: <199604271104.HAA01654@nrk.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text


> > More likely,I think, an organization like the NSA 
> > might build a pin-compatible version of an existing, commonly-used product 
> > like a keyboard encoder chip that is designed to transmit (by RFI signals) 
> > the contents of what is typed at the keyboard.  It's simple, it's hard to 
> > detect, and it gets what they want.
> 
> 	I thought that most (all?) chips already radiated on the 
> electromagnetic spectrum? Isn't that what tempest is about?

A) Yes, all circuitry radiates to some extent. The variable is
the "some" factor. And is the noise compromising or just revealing?
[Does it allow the Opposition to know you are typing, or WHAT you
are typing...?] And the one everyone here seems to ignore -- can you
hear it from where you need to? [I know of one National Lab with a
blanket Tempest exemption -- it's a MILE to the uncontrolled border
area.]

B) Sure the Fort has Fab facilities. But Acme Gas & Grocery fixes
cars, yet they do NOT have the diagnostic computer for my [in my
dreams..] new BMW.

Preventium & leading edge chips requires MASSIVE amounts of
money for the infrastructure, and yesterday's versions do not cut
it. [Tim, got any real $$ here?] I suspect it's like monitors: 14"
SVGA's cost $200; 16" $650; 19" $1200 & 21", don't ask. Sure,
tomorrow the 16" is $500, but you need it TODAY.

The Fort is too busy trying to justify its FTE numbers to blow
a couple zillion on keeping current with fab stuff. Plus, in
a business with only a few customers, how does they keep the
stepper-supplier from wising up?

And when Mr. Bill introduces the 686, do you start all over?

C) Would the Fort *really* ask for & get the needed cooperation
while the industry fights CrippleChip/GAK?

D) There are far cheaper ways to attack, as others point it. Neuter
the power-supply controller chip, and it stays the same for
generations. Or go for the video RAMDAC.



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