Why "carnivore" type systems can't be (entirely) open source

[Owen Lewis]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Clayton" <richard@highwayman.com>
To: <UKcrypto@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
Sent: 04 February 2001 12:22
Subject: Re: Why "carnivore" type systems can't be (entirely) open source

> >Those whom GSM security has kept out, gnashing their teeth, are those not
> >allowed much or any access to the clear voice part of the communications.
> >Dependent on circumstances and on country, these groups might include all
of
> >some of the following:  police, DSS, IR, C&E, private dicks, kibbitzers
>>et al.
>
> I think you should probably include in the list that is expected to be
> "kept out" - the intelligence agencies of other countries....
>
> ... and then you should observe that anyone party to the true details of
> GSM (and appreciating the cryptographic implications) will be able to
> capture material off the air in all other countries that have fielded
> the system.

Not any party and not in all circumstances but your general thrust may be
fair enough. You do not follow through with your usual perspicacity though.
It follows that GSM is useless to support with secure communications the
hostile operations of any country or group against any other, anywhere in
the world, more serious than a Sharks/Jets rumble. This is why it is DUEC
free.

Owen