Wired: Echelon Furor Ends in a Whimper

[Dave Bird]

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In article <B7804AAD.9414%peter.fairbrother@ntlworld.com>, Peter
Fairbrother <peter.fairbrother@ntlworld.com> writes
>> I think it might not be so hard as you imagine, in some contexts.
>> Consider what it would take to institute universal end-to-end
>> encryption for cellphones to protect against passive eavesdropping.
>> The technological infrastructure is well within our reach, and it doesn't
>> require a global PKI where every cellphone user must have a certified
>> public key.
>
>
>Implementing protections against passive-only interception is a bit like
>installing a reinforced, fortified door and leaving the windows unlocked. It
>might deter the casual passerby from theft but it's not going to seriously
>inconvenience determined thieves. Without meaning to give offence, I
>generally regard honest advocates of such systems as either babes in the
>woods or ********* ******.

 No, it is simply a matter of shifting the balance of power.  I have to
 depend on phone and other switches operated by large businesses who can
 be corrupted without my having any say:  end to end crypto resolves 
 this problem.  It means eavesdropping must be done by targeting the 
 end nodes, homes or offices, of particular participants.  This is more
 labour intensive at the moment so must be done more selectively. It is
 also seen as more offensive by innocent targets and their contacts....
 people are less happy at the idea of being bugged in their own houses
 and may get rather unhappy with police who do it.

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