The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp

Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by throwaway0209 on Sunday March 13, 2016 @03:37PM (#11279006)

Here the local drug dealers encourage use of a app called Wickr. Does anyone know how the encryption compares to WhatsApp?

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by CiPHPerCoder on Sunday March 13, 2016 @03:45PM (#11279050)

https://github.com/nylira/prism-break/issues/249#issuecommen...

https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/comments/32hexp/a_secret_...

Don't use Wickr.

Proprietary crypto + an interesting target for NSA because of its popularity among ISIS = probably snake oil and at the very least makes you a target

"Career criminals recommend it" isn't a good indicator of security. Two things to consider:

1. Confidential informants exist

2. Being a high-risk individual doesn't make you a domain expert

Ask your drug dealers to explain why RSA encryption with PKCS1v1.5 padding is bad. If they can't, disregard their opinion on cryptography and privacy technology.

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by kough on Sunday March 13, 2016 @04:45PM (#11279264)

Yeah, I knew a dispensary owner who told me all about Telegram* and how it was "really secure" and how the feds couldn't get any of his messages. He was happy to switch to Signal once I told him a little more.

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by some_furry on Sunday March 13, 2016 @04:57PM (#11279301)

https://twitter.com/SoatokDhole/status/691567507581341697

I'm doing my part, too! :)

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by ycmbntrthrwaway on Sunday March 13, 2016 @05:09PM (#11279365)

> telegraph

Telegram?

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by kough on Sunday March 13, 2016 @05:12PM (#11279379)

corrected, thanks

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by themartorana on Sunday March 13, 2016 @10:48PM (#11280767)

The hi-tech application, known as Wickr, is the latest in the long list of tools the death cult is using to lure Australian jihadis to join their bloody campaign.

Sure doesn't help when this is how the media describes a text messaging app.

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by throwaway0209 on Sunday March 13, 2016 @07:06PM (#11279856)

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer.

I will be sure the take the discussion on RSA encryption with PKCS1v1.5 padding the next time I see those guys. Probably without mentioning ISIS..

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Re:The Next Front in the New Crypto Wars: WhatsApp by CiPHPerCoder on Sunday March 13, 2016 @07:36PM (#11279986)

I can almost guarantee their response will be, "WTF? Stop making words up, mate."

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