Clinton continues to stumble over the 'E' word (encryption)

Article Abstract:

Encryption may place a barrier between the Clinton Administration and its otherwise positive relationship with Silicon Valley. The encryption debate has escalated in recent weeks, as Washington is about to receive new legislation initiatives that propose to restrict the unlimited use of encryption. Efforts by the Clinton Administration and a small group of high-technology executives to reach a compromise indicates no simple resolution is in sight. Encryption requires access to a special 'key,' which allows users to decipher techniques that scramble information. Encryption has emerged as a key issue because it is crucial to both Internet commerce growth and privacy protection. Law enforcement officials, supported by national security officials, support requiring users to register such keys with independent authorities. Industry and civil liberties groups oppose the legislation. Clinton has expressed his sympathy to Silicon Valley executives but said he is under pressure to place greater restrictions on encryption.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Telecommunications regulations, Government communications regulation

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A compromise on encryption exports seems to unravel

Article Abstract:

A compromise for exporting encryption technology is dissolving as computer companies balk at conditions the Clinton Administration has added to the original agreement. In Oct 1996, the administration agreed to allow computer companies to export more powerful encryption software if the companies developed systems allowing law enforcement officials with warrants to have encryption keys. Although many software companies feared that the possibility of eavesdropping would make their products less attractive, companies such as IBM and HP backed the compromise. A Nov 15 1996 executive order transferring export oversight from the State Dept to the Commerce Dept, however, included new conditions that even IBM hesitates to support. Those conditions include allowing the Justice Dept to consult with the Commerce Dept, the consideration of 56-bit-key export licenses only on a case-by-case basis and greater government participation in developing the key-recovery system.

Prepackaged software, Software Publishers, Data Encryption Software Pkgs, Encryption software, Export controls, Government export policy and export regulation

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A most-wanted cyberthief is caught in his own web

Article Abstract:

The FBI arrested Kevin D. Mitnick at his apartment in Raleigh, NC after an intensive search led by computer security expert Tsutomu Shimomura. Mitnick had been avoiding Federal law enforcement officials since Nov 1992 for Federal parole violations, and has been called the world's most wanted computer hacker. The arrest was made after Mitnick went on a hacking spree in which he broke into Shimomura's home computer on Christmas Day, 1994. Mitnick stole an estimated 20,000 credit card numbers and thousands of data files. After his computer was broken into, Shimomura made it his personal crusade to help the FBI catch the notorious hacker. The investigators used sophisticated techniques to pin down Mitnick's location. They were able to determine that he was using a computer modem attached to a cellular phone in the Raleigh, NC area. Shimomura was present at Mitnick's pre-arraignment hearing.

Privacy issue, Privacy, Investigations, Computer crime, Computer crimes, Computer hackers, Industry legal issue, Mitnick, Kevin D.

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