Zimmermann promises 'Pretty Good VoIP Privacy' - bit-tech.net Forums

GreatOldOne · 27th Jul 2005, 13:09

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/07/27/PGP_VoIP/

mclean007 · 27th Jul 2005, 13:26

Given that it is already a trivial matter with cheap / free tools to encrypt email communications beyond the capabilities of even the most determined code-breaker to crack (governmental institutions included), I do not see what further security risk is posed by allowing the same capability to VoIP calls. Surely anyone who is plotting something the authorities would be interested enough in to tap their phone line will be savvy enough to only use secure comms channels, in which case they may start using secure VoIP rather than email as a matter of convenience, but it won't manifestly increase the threat they pose.

Accordingly, I say, there's no point holding back tech like this on grounds of security - it will be a bonus for businesses and individuals alike to be able to communicate in realtime over a solidly encrypted channel.

Master Ninja · 27th Jul 2005, 15:10

Seems like the only ones who would object to this are people who feel the need to listen into other people's conversations; namely, governments and law enforcement. And I have no doubt that a back door can be created to mimic (at least at first) the security and laws around conventional phone systems. Are governments really going to argue "This should be banned because we can tap the terrist's land phones but not their Internet phones"?

Also, does anyone else find it funny that one of the most popular and useful encryption systems on the Web is only "Pretty Good"?

Da Dego · 27th Jul 2005, 15:12

I fear the day that government gets such a say (while exploiting the fear of terrorism) as to prevent me from being able to have a private conversation.

Oh, wait. There's already the patriot act.

I'd rather extend terrorists the liberty of covertness than surrender yet more of my freedoms in the name of "protection."

Nikumba · 27th Jul 2005, 23:20

Not being funny but why do we need secure VoIP comms? The standard telephone network we use every day is not encrypted as far as i know?

Nikumba

Da Dego · 28th Jul 2005, 20:47

The standard telephone network is a lot more difficult to drop in on without being at the physical line. Big difference.

Green Soda · 28th Jul 2005, 22:48

How can the government control VoIP lines? They dont have any control over the internet in general, so how are they going to touch this stuff?

And if your REALLY serious about security and junk, chances are your going to make your own VoIP protocol/codec rather then using one of the major carriers like Vonage or something...

27th Jul 2005, 13:09	#1
GreatOldOne Thoroughbred of Sin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Evil League of Evil Posts: 10,299	Zimmermann promises 'Pretty Good VoIP Privacy' http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/07/27/PGP_VoIP/ __________________ "The iPhone is like some glorious early-60s sports car. Not as practical, reliable, economical, sensible or roomy as a family saloon but oh, the joy." - Stephen Fry A GOO-ster is Born - Build Diary Electronics Help Needed! RSS Twitter

27th Jul 2005, 13:26	#2
mclean007 Officious Bystander Join Date: May 2003 Location: Nodnol Posts: 1,597	Given that it is already a trivial matter with cheap / free tools to encrypt email communications beyond the capabilities of even the most determined code-breaker to crack (governmental institutions included), I do not see what further security risk is posed by allowing the same capability to VoIP calls. Surely anyone who is plotting something the authorities would be interested enough in to tap their phone line will be savvy enough to only use secure comms channels, in which case they may start using secure VoIP rather than email as a matter of convenience, but it won't manifestly increase the threat they pose. Accordingly, I say, there's no point holding back tech like this on grounds of security - it will be a bonus for businesses and individuals alike to be able to communicate in realtime over a solidly encrypted channel. __________________ Demand Naked DSL in the UK!

27th Jul 2005, 15:12	#4
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	I fear the day that government gets such a say (while exploiting the fear of terrorism) as to prevent me from being able to have a private conversation. Oh, wait. There's already the patriot act. I'd rather extend terrorists the liberty of covertness than surrender yet more of my freedoms in the name of "protection." __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

28th Jul 2005, 20:47	#6
Da Dego Brett Thomas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cleveland, OH USA Posts: 3,906	The standard telephone network is a lot more difficult to drop in on without being at the physical line. Big difference. __________________ "Frankly that seems overkill. iluvtrees2 arguing with spec is the intellectual equivalent of a bunny rabbit taking on a pissed-off lion." - Nexxo

28th Jul 2005, 22:48	#7
Green Soda Hypermodder Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Chicago, IL, USA Posts: 823	How can the government control VoIP lines? They dont have any control over the internet in general, so how are they going to touch this stuff? And if your REALLY serious about security and junk, chances are your going to make your own VoIP protocol/codec rather then using one of the major carriers like Vonage or something... __________________ Signature? ::kna::> And if you don’t agree with me, you know where you can stick it. <Taganath> Mary had a little lamb. It bumped into a pylon. Ten thousand volts went up its arse and turned its wool to nylon!

27th Jul 2005, 15:10	#3
Master Ninja Multimodder Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 182	Seems like the only ones who would object to this are people who feel the need to listen into other people's conversations; namely, governments and law enforcement. And I have no doubt that a back door can be created to mimic (at least at first) the security and laws around conventional phone systems. Are governments really going to argue "This should be banned because we can tap the terrist's land phones but not their Internet phones"? Also, does anyone else find it funny that one of the most popular and useful encryption systems on the Web is only "Pretty Good"?

27th Jul 2005, 23:20	#5
Nikumba Supermodder Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: The Dark Place Posts: 371	Not being funny but why do we need secure VoIP comms? The standard telephone network we use every day is not encrypted as far as i know? Nikumba