RE: 40-bit VS 128-bit Encryption

From: Allan Schon <allanschon(at)mckinleymachinery.com>
Date: Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:16:23 EDT

Well, it depends which algorithm is used for the encryption. The 'bit' value isn't as important as you might think, compared to the specific algorithm used.

If you're refering to RSA public key encryption, most online businesses use a 1024 bit key; 128 bit keys not very secure, given the speed of today's computers.

Some private key encryption algorithms can be secure with a much smaller key, but then you run into the problem of key distribution....

It really depends what exactly can be accessed based on a cracked password... You may be fine with minimal encryption, and you may have to go ahead and use the best you can get... It's up to you, in the end.

-----Original Message-----

From: Stephen Bock [mailto:sbock@smchcn.net] Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 1:22 PM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: 40-bit VS 128-bit Encryption

I am setting up a secure website and i was wondering which would be better to use, 40-bit or 128-bit? Obviously, 128-bit would be stronger and not easily crackable, but it is also more expensive. Does anybody know if 40 or 128-bit has been cracked yet? I'm not going to be transmitting any credit card info over the net, but i will be sending username, password, etc. What are your thoughts?

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Stephen Bock
Information Technology/Webmaster
Samaritan Ministries International

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Received on Sat Jun 21 13:39:49 2003