U.S. Encryption Standard Broken, Firm Says

A unit of Security Dynamics Tech Inc. said computer users organized over the Internet cracked the strongest encryption software legally exportable from the United States. RSA Data Security, a Redwood City-based unit of Security Dynamics, said the band of computer enthusiasts, some using outdated computers, broke the Data Encryption Standard late Monday after five months of work. The United States bans the export of any stronger encryption software because of fears that such programs will be used by terrorists or drug dealers. Encryption companies say the restrictions are pointless because foreign programmers already sell much stronger programs. RSA had offered a $10,000 award for cracking the standard.