Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

1024-bit RSA keys In Danger Of Compromise?

Posted by Hemos on from the well-of-course-they-are dept.

antiher0 writes "According to an email from Lucky Green that came across bugtraq yesterday, 1024-bit encryption should no longer be considered pristine. Bernstein released a proposal that outlines the creation of a machine capable of breaking 1024-bit crypto on the order of minutes or even seconds for the measly cost of ~$1B USD. For a more thorough discussion, check out the original email." Update: 03/26 03:16 GMT by T : And don't forget to revisit Bruce Schneier's analysis of Bernstein's claims, which cast doubt on the practicality of breaking such large keys anytime soon.

5 of 363 comments (clear)

  1. Extra! by cethiesus · · Score: 0, Redundant

    This just in! Encryption not perfect!

    (gasp)

    --


    "Ford," he said, "you're turning into a penguin. Stop it."
  2. Measly? by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 0, Redundant

    By the time this actually posts, it'd be redundant, but hell, it must be said.
    "...the measley cost of ~$1B USD."
    MEASLEY?!

    --
    Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
  3. One billion dollars? by DavidJA · · Score: 1, Redundant

    I'll sell them my encrypted secrets for only 1 million dollars!

    It's a win-win situation, I get a million dollars, and they save many many millions of dollars.

  4. Re:Would this be a solution? by stuce · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Better than having more layers, just add more bits. Case and point: 2048 bit encryption is not twice as hard to break as 1024 (with twice as many bits). It's closer to 2^1024 times as hard (with 1024 more bits). Crypto can always keep ahead of brute force attacks by adding more bits. The real danger is some kind of algorithm that would make the brute force unnecessary..

  5. Re:Billion by spike+hay · · Score: 1, Redundant

    2,048 bit encryption!!!

    Anyway, I think people are being too paranoid about the guvament.(pronounce in brain as paraniod Idahoan KKK heavily armed militia seperatist guy)

    You think they would use a 1 billion dollar machine to see your internet credit card transaction to purchase a gay beastial midget pr0n website subscription?

    No, they aren't going to use this on weirdo perverts like yourself. They will use this to decrypt important things, like Taliban and PLO communications and whatnot.

    Anyway, its not like crackers, with malicious intent, would go buy themselves a 1 B dollar supa-puter to intercept your midget pr0n transaction.

    So quit being paranoid, and go back to jacking off to your gay beastail midget pr0n. :-P

    --
    If you don't understand any of my sayings, come to me in private and I shall take you in my German mouth.