Cyrptography

[JMJ_coder]

Hello,

I’d like to have a thread to discuss the morality and ethics of cryptography. The Vatican’s document “Ethics in Internet” mentioned it and promised to talk about it - but they never did get around to it (I was bummed!). I was hoping that the document might give me some encouragement in pursuing a cryptological focus in my career as a computer professional.

For those who don’t know - cryptography is the field, usually nowadays in computers, where information is attempted to be hidden in usually some form of code with the intent of preventing those who aren’t authorized by the information holder from viewing it. (I know semi-long and winding definition - google it if you need more information).

So, cryptography - is it moral and/or ethical?

In the realm of “personal security” - perhaps in protecting network communications such as email, or your personal identity (i.e., prevent identity theft)? This would extend to areas such as firewalls and anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware.

In the realm of “enterprise security” - which would include protecting a companies data and trade secrets.

In the realm of “national security” - which would include secret communications between diplomats and tapping enemy communications to break their codes.

 

[Highwayhound]

Cryptography? I am all for it. Codes, cyphers and secret writings go all the way back to the Greeks (if not before them).

The Greeks in one method would have sticks of equal size at two locations, a long ribbon was wrapped around the stick, a message was written on the ribbon and then when the ribbon was removed fron the stick the writings would be nothing but lines and marks. When the ribbon reached its destination it was wrapped around the appropriate sized stick and read.

There are many examples of codes and cyphers being useful to people. A current example is the code used in a humble home security system.

I see nothing, but good about cryptography. It was a hobby of mine as a boy. I have really not kept up with it though.

Is cryptography a profession or hobby for you?

 

[RyanL]

IMHO, it’s no more or less moral than making any other lock.

Can you morally pursue being a safe maker? Um…yup. Good locks keep honest people honest.

Can you morally pursue being a lock picker? Um…yup. People lock their keys in the car all the time and often it’s a moral good to help them.

It all depends what you’re doing with the skills – generally making crypto is fine, just as making guns and scalpels are fine.

Making them for a purpose which constitutes material cooperation with evil, however…that’s another story.

God Bless,
RyanL

 

[JMJ_coder]

Is cryptography a profession or hobby for you?

Cryptography is one area of interest in computers for me - along with data compression, systems software, and embedded systems.

I will complete my bachelor’s degree in computer science in about 1-1/2 years. My Math minor is holding me up - waited too long to start on it - other than that I could be graduating this coming Spring. Oh well, more time for electives. After that, I am hopeful to be able to mostly contract work via freelance/telecommuting.