Readers React: High school kids know more about encryption than U.S. senators

To the editor: Kids know more about encryption than Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Richard Burr (R-S.C.), who want to force device makers to build products on which the information can be decrypted by the government. A competent teen today can write powerful encryption software, impregnable to all. (“Weakening the security of our devices in the name of fighting terrorism doesn’t make us safer,” editorial, April 20)

The senators’ unrealistic solution mandating “weak technologies” is dangerous and ineffective — dangerous because it will move bad guys to use other, seriously powerful encryption tools unrelated to phones, and ineffective because the non-technical senators don’t realize the ease with which an average programmer can achieve impregnable encryption.

“Foreign companies” aren’t required to achieve this. American high school kids today can encrypt anything far more securely than the German Enigma, right now. No court can “compel suspects to unlock devices or turn over decrypted data” when anonymous bad guys did the encryption. There will be no Apple to sanction — only unknown malefactors, acting long before authorities can begin any action.

This bill is pointless sophistry.

David Sosna, Brentwood

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To the editor: Feinstein and Burr are wasting their time. “60 Minutes” last Sunday aired a segment on the ease with which smartphones can be hacked. A company called Lookout services industries that want protection from hacking. Its product is available to the public.

The company states that any phone can be hacked. This was demonstrated by hacking Rep. Ted Lieu’s (D-Torrance) phone in a few seconds just using his cell number. Lieu was upset by the ease with which the hacking was carried out.

Those who have sensitive information on their smartphones would be wise to protect their information.

Tom Pincu, Los Angeles

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