Re: Lotus Notes Encryption Methods

[isdmill () gatekeeper ddp state me us (David Miller)]

On Thu, 16 Mar 1995, Software Test Account wrote:

> On Tue, 14 Mar 1995, Dr. Frederick B. Cohen wrote:
>
> > > In the tech notes that I have, it would seemt that RC2 uses a 128bit key and
> > > RC4 uses a 256bit key.
> > >
> > > Both these keys seem rather small in comparison to something like PGP's
> > > 1028bit key.
> >
> > 128bit key is about 40 digits - NSA approved - breakable by a PC
> > in a few hours.
> > FC
> You have actually done this with a PC?  With what kind of hw/sw???
> Seems other comments would suggest that this would be an unlikely occurence.
> Can you expand on your statement.

As has ben pointed out already, the bits of a pgp key refer to the length 
of a number which must be factored to recover the 128 bit IDEA session 
key.  Factoring a 128 bit number is not a difficult challenge on a PC.  
Trying all possible keys in a 128 bit key is not realistic on any type of 
computer today.

If you wish to pursue this further, could you please take it to private 
email or a more appropriate place (sci.cryptography, 
sci.cryptography.research, cypherpunks)?

Thanks:)


> Erik
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