Newsletters and Mailing Lists
Crypto-Gram is a free monthly newsletter providing summaries, analyses, insights, and commentaries on computer security and cryptography. The bulk of it is written by security guru Bruce Schneier, but it also includes feedback from its readers. Bruce Schneier wrote the book on commercial encryption, and is the author of the blowfish encryption algorithm, but this is not dry as dust material on the darker corners of cryptography. Quite to the contrary. It's an intelligent and lucid newsletter that cuts through the hype surrounding techno-security and treats the security issues of the moment in a rational not emotional manner. Schneier is open about pushing his company, Counterpane Internet Security in the newsletter, but I see nothing wrong with that, and it certainly doesn't detract from the analysis. Recent material covered includes airport security, the latest Microsoft vulnerabilities, why details of bugs should be made public, and an excellent debunking of the claims of AGS Encryptions that they can get 'unbreakable' encryption without the use of long keys. Afterword: Since the attack on the World Trade Centre Schneier has become a lone voice of sanity in debunking the panicky 'security' responses of the authorities. His excellent, coolly argued material not only points out the fact that much of the so-called security is worse than useless, but also suggests alternatives which will enhance security - frequently at less cost. To subscribe point your browsers at http://www.counterpane.com/crypto-gram.html. If you are seriously concerned about the environment then Rachel's is an interesting, if depressing, read. It comes out no more than two or three times a month, so it won't be a heavy hit on your mailbox. It's usually four to five pages long and covers one topic in each newsletter, or something in depth over a couple of issues. Sometimes it produces heavy environmentalist ideology issues, which you can take or leave according to your own views on the subject. Previous issues have considered, for example, the spread and effects of a class of chemicals called polybromo diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which are used in flame retardants in furnishings and electrical appliances. Like PCBs it accumulates in the environment and scientist are starting to worry about its effects and its ubiquity. A word of advice - don't read this newsletter while listening to Leonard Cohen, unless you wish to become terminally depressed! You can find subscription details at http://www.rachel.org. The ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy runs a Forum on Risks to the Public in Computers and Related Systems. The forum is moderated by Peter G Neumann, and it is possible to get a digest of the submissions sent to your mailbox. It comes out about once a week, more often if there is heavy traffic. The topics covered vary widely within its remit and the recent issues covered include Office and Windows XP sending sensitive material to Microsoft, the legal liabilities engendered by the P3P privacy initiative, identity theft (a long running thread), problems with the FBI's Carnivore, and the Swedish police doctoring video evidence. Because threads run across several issues you will find you need to read a few issues before you begin to appreciate the real depth of the digest. To subscribe send an email to risks-request@csl.sri.com with a one-line body of subscribe. Health Warning - don't read this digest while flying unless you really enjoy worrying! |
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