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FBI Again Calls For Magical Solution To Break Into Encrypted Phones (arstechnica.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the one-size-fits-all dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: FBI Director Christopher Wray again has called for a solution to what the bureau calls the "Going Dark" problem, the idea that the prevalence of default strong encryption on digital devices makes it more difficult for law enforcement to extract data during an investigation. However, in a Wednesday speech at Boston College, Wray again did not outline any specific piece of legislation or technical solution that would provide both strong encryption and allow the government to access encrypted devices when it has a warrant. A key escrow system, with which the FBI or another entity would be able to unlock a device given a certain set of circumstances, is by definition weaker than what cryptographers would traditionally call "strong encryption." There's also the problem of how to compel device and software makers to impose such a system on their customers -- similar efforts were attempted during the Clinton administration, but they failed. A consensus of technical experts has said that what the FBI has asked for is impossible. "I recognize this entails varying degrees of innovation by the industry to ensure lawful access is available," Wray said Wednesday. "But I just don't buy the claim that it's impossible. Let me be clear: the FBI supports information security measures, including strong encryption. Actually, the FBI is on the front line fighting cyber crime and economic espionage. But information security programs need to be thoughtfully designed so they don't undermine the lawful tools we need to keep the American people safe."

5 of 232 comments (clear)

  1. And yet again... by Travelsonic · · Score: 5, Insightful

    FBI mouthpiece is a fucking idiot. Jesus Christ, why is listening to people who clearly know better than them so goddammed difficult?

    --
    If you believe in privacy, and believe you have "nothing to hide" at the same time, you're a goddammed idiot
  2. Strong Encryption, But Not For Us by bobdehnhardt · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Anytime someone says they support strong encryption but want to be able to bypass whenever they have the need, my head wants to explode. Any bypass, back door or master key, no matter how well designed, perfectly implemented, or zealously protected, fundamentally weakens the encryption they claim to support. If a way around the encryption exists, someone will find and exploit it. Pure and simple.

    I'm all for law enforcement being able to do their job. But I'm also all for strong encryption - my job in information security depends on it, and the sensitive information of millions of people would be at risk without it. Encryption is a tool, like a hammer: people with bad intent can use it to build harm as well as upstanding citizens can use it to build good. I'm sorry, but law enforcement needs to find another way to get to those nails, rather than make hammers defective for everyone.

    1. Re:Strong Encryption, But Not For Us by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Your safety has nothing to do with this issue and nothing to do with encrypted data. You've drunk the Security Theatre Kool-Aid, and as a result you actually believe that every brown-skinned person you see is secretly a Muslim extremist who is plotting to rape your wife and cut your kids' heads off, while you're forced to watch, before having your own head cut off; you actually believe that shit, and being in the Constant State of Terror that they've worked so hard to ensure you're firmly in, you won't listen to facts, or real statistics, or reason, you'll only listen to the Man With The Gun and The Badge, because he claims to be able to Save You From What You Fear. Congratulations, you're a complete and utter fool.

    2. Re:Strong Encryption, But Not For Us by spire3661 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Law and order includes strong limits on what the government can do. Our government is a COMPROMISE between the interests of the individual and the masses. I have the right to build (and distribute) and unpickable lock that can only be opened by one person. You have no right to say otherwise.

      --
      Good-bye
  3. keeping America safe? by iggymanz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The FBI was watching the 9/11 attackers to see what they would do. The FBI was warned by Russia about the Boston marathon bomber. FBI was given tips about Florida school shooter.

    Yeah, FBI, keeping America safe.....keeping the government safe from its citizens anyway.