Come learn the history of encryption methods, from hieroglyphics to the Caesar cipher to more advanced methods used in the twentieth century. I will discuss modern efforts to crack international encryption standards, as well as some systematic weaknesses that have been deliberately introduced into encryption algorithms by world superpowers. I will talk in depth about the Dual-EC PRNG algorithm, the back door that was discovered in this algorithm, and the weaknesses it caused across the technology industry. Attendees will get a kick out of the colorful history of encryption methods, learn valuable lessons on maintaining security, and gain insight into some of these methods' potential weaknesses today.
Speakers: Amanda Sopkin