Linked List: March 12, 2016

Saturday, 12 March 2016

Why Are We Fighting the Crypto Wars Again? ★

Steven Levy’s take on the Apple/FBI battle over encryption is simply fantastic. Spread this piece far and wide — Levy has a genuine gift for explaining the importance of strong encryption.

Squarespace ★

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Lockpickers 3D-Printed TSA Master Luggage Keys From Leaked Photos ★

Wired:

The TSA is learning a basic lesson of physical security in the age of 3-D printing: If you have sensitive keys — say, a set of master keys that can open locks you’ve asked millions of Americans to use — don’t post pictures of them on the Internet.

A group of lock-picking and security enthusiasts drove that lesson home Wednesday by publishing a set of CAD files to Github that anyone can use to 3-D print a precisely measured set of the TSA’s master keys for its “approved” locks — the ones the agency can open with its own keys during airport inspections. Within hours, at least one 3-D printer owner had already downloaded the files, printed one of the master keys, and published a video proving that it opened his TSA-approved luggage lock.

New York City’s $8 Master Key ★

Susan Edelman, reporting for the New York Post back in September:

Master keys for every elevator in the city, major construction sites, subways and skyscrapers are being freely sold online, despite a city law that makes it illegal for unauthorized persons to possess them.

A New Jersey-based lock company is peddling an unlimited supply of New York City’s “1620” fire service keys on eBay at $15.50 for two.

Access to the Big Apple keys is sharply restricted. It’s unlawful for anyone other than firefighters, law-enforcement personnel, elevator contractors or inspectors and building owners to have them.

But a Post reporter bought two keys to the city with no questions asked from UltimateSecurityDevices.com, an online arm of Northeast Lock Corp. in Clifton, NJ.

This is, effectively, what the Department of Justice wants for the iPhone.