Who here is a Fireman or Policeman or Security officer

[Ashes]

of some kind, and feels strongly that the development of the Homeland Security Dept and other pre-interventions

Is Shit?

Sorry to be so blunt, but that's my opinion. The creation of depts and the lies told to those that work in public safety fields has been dispicable.

Anyone agree? Where am I wrong?

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

1. Reitred from Federal Law Enforcement

and have lots of friends in still

and yes, it is despiciable, but lots of agencies are getting money and attention they have long felt due, so the rank and file keep quiet when given new toys.

the same thing happened during the war on some drugs, everyone knew it was hopeless and idiotic, but the federal dollars kept flowing, and no one wanted to stop that

when the money dries up, sometime next year or so, you will hear complaints, not before

[Ashes]

4. They may be getting more toys

but their ranks are shrinking like a penis in frozen water.

[Az]

2. Computer security

Maybe not exactly what you are looking for but much of where security issues are happening these days are on the net and much of it is invasive and a violation of privacy. Carnivore and other tools drift dangerously into unconstitutional areas. The munitions laws being applied to encryption techniques is a bit silly. Security is an illusion. Selling security a great business because you will never be absolutely safe.

[Ashes]

3. I do think about these things

this has me perplexed:

"The munitions laws being applied to encryption techniques is a bit silly."

Could you please elaborate? Thanks!

[Caution]

5. Encryption

Under US law, strong encryption algorithms are considered a non-exportable encryption. If you were to take source code to an encryption schema out of the country you woul dbe an illegal arms exporter and liable for prosecution (as far as treason). This is just plain stupid. As if only americans can come up with good encryption. and as if there is any way to prevent this. Back in the early days of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy, a public-private key encryption system based upon RSA's schema) people actually created a t-shirt with bar code source code on it and a caption "This shirt is a munition" and under the law that is wholly accurate. This law is a simple relic of another age and like many others that have been passed as a result of a mis-understanding of the internet is something that badly needs re-visiting.

[Ashes]

7. I'll be damned

that is something entirely new to me. Thanks for the info. interesting.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

8. That is because when Congress searched for an applicable

federal law to cover the export of encrption software, the only thing remotely like it was military grade stuff, which, under international law is munitions.
they could not convience any federal agency to take lead on making regulations on internet or software, so they did what they could, based on the "experts" they had from NSA, CIA and Defense.

It seems silly now, but given the lack of understanding the Congress had at the time of computers (at the time they had no networked computers) and software, and considering they have pretty much given up on enforcing the law (because there is still no clear lead agency on internet/software even now) it is a moot point that trivia buffs like to bring up now and again.

[Caution]

9. Not a moot point

The government has shown a willingness to enforce this law. This law is as screwed up as the DMCA. Encryption needs constant review and challenge. This is a matter of national security that is sorely misunderstood.

[Az]

6. You cannot export encryption codes

larger than 128k to foreign countries as they are classified as munitions. The idea is that anything larger than 128k is nearly uncrackable. The US does not want foreign nations to have access to such technology. PGP code is a freely distributed encryption system that meets this qualification. The creator of this system originally distributed the software to create this system to any that wished to DL it. A legal battle erupted due to the munitions laws and he was forced to desist distribution to any foreign nation.

When you DL programs like Netscape you have to decide which security version you are going to use becuase of this munitions law. The heavy encryption version is blocked to nonUS sites.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

10. I used to sell security software

and can tell you that you are right: no solution is infallible

[Character Assassin]

11. Former LEO, now considering becoming paramedic/firefighter

I feel they're shit even though I'm not one anymore. Doesn't take a cop to know that.

[Loonman]

12. Former Security Officer

Now security consultant and analyst.


I can tell you that not much has changed in the private securtiy industry since 9/11. All the same policies are in place, but with more emphasis.