Re: Triple DES Encryption Now Available For Telephone Privacy Protection

[jim bell <jimbell@pacifier.com>]

At 03:04 PM 8/16/96 -0700, Eric Blossom wrote:
>Communication Security Corporation 
>
>For More Information: Eric Blossom (707) 577-0409
>Press Contact:  Terri Thatcher (408) 265-7703
>Triple DES Encryption Now Available For Telephone Privacy Protection 
>Santa Rosa, Calif., August 16, 1996, -- The Communication Security
>Corporation today announced availability of the CS8191. The first
>telephone security device built using uncompromised cryptography,
>based on 168--bit key triple DES.
>  
>Triple DES encryption technology provides an uncompromised level of
>security (72 quadrillion times stronger against a brute force attack)
>than products based on the US Data Encryption Standard (single DES).
>In addition, unlike the government's "Clipper" proposal, the CS8191
>does not reveal or "escrow" the encryption keys with third parties.

So does this use that previously-announced NTT encryption chip?

> 
>The CS8191 has been designed to work with conventional analog
>telephone systems (POTS).  The unit connects between your telephone
>and the wall. In 'clear' mode, your telephone continues to work as it
>normally does. Pressing the 'go secure' button encrypts
>conversations. Communication Security has also incorporated a
>leading-edge speech coder.  Voice clarity is undisturbed whether the
>system is in 'secure' or 'clear' mode. 

Is this some sort of standardized interface?  Or are we in for the crypto 
equivalent of the Tower of Babel?

Jim Bell
jimbell@pacifier.com