S-1
Encyclopedia
In cryptography
, the S-1 block cipher was a block cipher
posted in source code
form on Usenet
on 11 August 1995. Although incorrect security markings immediately indicated a hoax
, there were several features of the code which suggested it might be leaked source code for the Skipjack encryption algorithm, which was still classified
at the time.
However once David Wagner had discovered a severe design flaw, it was generally accepted as being a hoax - but one with an astonishing amount of work behind it. When Skipjack was eventually declassified in 1998, it was indeed found to be totally unlike S-1.
Cryptography
Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties...
, the S-1 block cipher was a block cipher
Block cipher
In cryptography, a block cipher is a symmetric key cipher operating on fixed-length groups of bits, called blocks, with an unvarying transformation. A block cipher encryption algorithm might take a 128-bit block of plaintext as input, and output a corresponding 128-bit block of ciphertext...
posted in source code
Source code
In computer science, source code is text written using the format and syntax of the programming language that it is being written in. Such a language is specially designed to facilitate the work of computer programmers, who specify the actions to be performed by a computer mostly by writing source...
form on Usenet
Usenet
Usenet is a worldwide distributed Internet discussion system. It developed from the general purpose UUCP architecture of the same name.Duke University graduate students Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis conceived the idea in 1979 and it was established in 1980...
on 11 August 1995. Although incorrect security markings immediately indicated a hoax
Hoax
A hoax is a deliberately fabricated falsehood made to masquerade as truth. It is distinguishable from errors in observation or judgment, or rumors, urban legends, pseudosciences or April Fools' Day events that are passed along in good faith by believers or as jokes.-Definition:The British...
, there were several features of the code which suggested it might be leaked source code for the Skipjack encryption algorithm, which was still classified
Classified information
Classified information is sensitive information to which access is restricted by law or regulation to particular groups of persons. A formal security clearance is required to handle classified documents or access classified data. The clearance process requires a satisfactory background investigation...
at the time.
However once David Wagner had discovered a severe design flaw, it was generally accepted as being a hoax - but one with an astonishing amount of work behind it. When Skipjack was eventually declassified in 1998, it was indeed found to be totally unlike S-1.