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Linux Kernel 4.17 saw the inclusion of NSA's 'controversial' encryption algorithm Speck. Linux Kernel 4.18 will see Speck being available as a supported algorithm with fscrypt and not everyone is happy about it.
Before you panic or form wrong conclusions, you should know that Speck is not a backdoor. It's just a not-so-strong encryption algorithm from American agency NSA and it's available as a module in Linux Kernel.
The algorithm in question, Speck, is a 'weak' encryption (lightweight block cipher) designed for devices with low computing powers i.e., IoT devices.
NSA wanted Speck and its companion algorithm Simon to become a global standard for next generation of internet-of-things gizmos and sensors.
NSA tried to aggressively push this algorithm to an extent that some cryptographer alleged bullying and harassment at the hands of NSA.
The problem with the algorithm is that the International Organization of Standards (ISO) rejected Speck and Simon.
Google engineer Eric Biggers requested the inclusion of Speck in Kernel 4.17 because Google is going to provide Speck as an option for dm-crypt and fscrypt on Android.
The focus is on providing encryption on Android Go, an Android version tailored to run on entry-level smartphones. As of today, these devices are not encrypted because AES is not fast enough for the low-end devices.
(Score: 4, Interesting) by requerdanos on Friday August 10 2018, @10:13PM (2 children)
That's sage advice [freworld.info]. We have a climate here where people say "bipartisan" and instead of understanding that it means "R and D closing ranks against you", believe that it means "neutral". It doesn't.
Then we have people who, when you say "the rest of the world", think you mean "the rest of America", which is about the general level of sophistication of the voters that needs to grasp that when the elected positions change, the government doesn't change (just figureheads and legislators), because the government is executed through a multitude of agencies whose staff will change by perhaps two to three persons if that after even a presidential election.
To roll back the changes that brought about comprehensive NSA domestic spying, we have to build a government with neither R nor D in charge. It's honestly been slow going so far. I don't think that the fact that it even affects the Linux kernel is going to swing many votes, either.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday August 10 2018, @10:23PM (1 child)
Funny how we can agree here while stabbing each others with shivs in that other discussion. Ah, the joys of AC :)
(Score: 2) by requerdanos on Friday August 10 2018, @10:34PM
When you're right, you're right; I'd agree with you here even if both threads were under your name. I was serious in thanking you for your cultural perspective.