FAQ

[meyer <wixer!wixer.bga.com!meyer@cactus.org>]

Damned line noise zapped this last time just as I was about to send it.
I don't think it went (uustat apparently knew nothing of it), so here
it is again:

From Eric Raymond's draft FAQ:

>The Cypherpunks list exists to build and propagate privacy software.  Our
>aim is to give you the tools to communicate with other people and computers
>in ways snoopers cannot tap.
>
>2. What are the essentials of privacy software?
>   a. Public-key cryptosystems for secure communication.
>   b. Unforgeable electronic signatures for message authentication.
>   c. DC-net or similar protocols to thwart spoofing.

Privacy extends to more than just invulnerability to eavesdropping
upon one's communications.  One may have private records which are
viewed only by oneself, and never communicated.  A cryptosystem
suitable for encryption of such non-communicated information need
not be a public-key cryptosystem.  Thus:

2 d. Cryptosystems for protecting privately-held information
     against unauthorized access.