Decius wrote:
] Hrm... I'll bet they are using classified encryption systems
] and they are worried that if the device got into the wrong
] hands then enemies might be able to study it.

Isn't every military/government encryption system classified? Do you think they are using some flavor of PKI that the public has not their hands on? I think its certainly possible, but I also think its more likely its just RSA with a large key size or something similar, and this is the standard level of paranoia (that for good reason is) assigned to all mil/gov encryption systems.

If its a well designed system, and I'd assume it is, knowing how it works dosen't make it any less secure. The only thing that could take away from its ability to keep data transmission secret is a compromised key.

I completely understand that they wouldn't want anyone seeing it though.

RE: HoustonChronicle.com - Top secret part among the shuttle debris