New Vista Random Numbers to Include NSA Backdoor?

Schneier is reporting that Microsoft has added the new Dual_EC-DRBG random-number generator to Vista SP1. This random-number generator is the same one discussed earlier that may have a secret NSA backdoor built into it.

Comments

Re:Given the known problems of Dual_EC_DRBG

[RightSaidFred99]

I know this is crazy talk, but maybe there's a simple explanation. Microsoft put it in the OS as an option so that people who want to use it (hmm...government contracts?) can if they so choose. So maybe Microsoft sees the NSA as a "customer" and decided they were important enough to include it for their use and for other government use.

Insane - I know, they must be "out to get us".

Re:Really...

[yo_tuco]

"Wait... couldn't you just add something to the random number? Or perhaps shift the digits over?"

You can do what TFA said:

"It's possible to implement Dual_EC_DRBG in such a way as to protect it against this backdoor, by generating new constants with another secure random-number generator and then publishing the seed. This method is even in the NIST document, in Appendix A."

Re:Fuck You AmeriKKKa!

[sherpajohn]

Computer.....check...holy crap...modern computing actually has it's roots in TEXAS of all places (see the integrated circuit)...so DOUBLE check

Bzzzt, wrong! Even though he is dead, his guy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konrad_Zuse would argue with that.

Motor Car....check again...lol - who would have thought, surely SOMETHING on this list was not invented by America

Wait another dead guy wants a chat - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Benz - says he invented the automobile.

Light Bulb....check again, wow

Um, better check your's again, I think its a bit dim if not burnt out. If you refer to Edison, he was not even close to the first to demonstrate what is now known as the incandescent light bulb. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightbulb

Well, 2 out of 5 ain't bad right? Well, the telephone is not a sure thing, so lets make it 1.5.