Jihadists get world-class encryption kit

The Global Islamic Media Front has released a new set of encryption tools to help militants conduct clandestine communications, according to a security firm.

Through its alleged contacts within the militant jihadist community, VeriSign staff have acquired a pre-release version of the group's latest encryption tools called "Asrar Al-Mujahidin" or "Mujahedeen Secrets", according to Rick Howard, director of intelligence at VeriSign's iDefense security intelligence services.

Want to know more?

For all the latest news, analysis and opinion on security, click here

The new version -- the second of its kind to be released by the group -- is designed to eliminate the need to send files and messages over public file-sharing sites. Instead, those wishing to communicate without being spied on can rely on more secure, Arabic-language, jihadist-oriented chat sites and forums to route clandestine communications, said Howard.

The program also includes the security industry's best encryption algorithms, which include 256-bit encryption, variable stealth cipher encryption keys, RSA 2,048-bit encryption keys and encrypted chat-forum-supported instant messaging, Howard added.

"This is the most significant tool release in several months by the cyber jihadist underground," VeriSign said.

"It reflects their incrementally growing technical sophistication and it shows how seriously they are taking the security of their online communications, thereby exhibiting the importance they attach to the Internet as an operational support medium."

Talkback 2 comments

    Backdoored Anonymous -- 30/01/08

    I wonder if this has backdoors for the media.
    Now that would be a way to get the scoop.

    CIA sold it to them all you need is love -- 01/02/08

    Well, money is the real religion nowadays isn't it.

    Sure I believe in God, but I can worship him better from my beach front property in Malibu.

Add your opinion

Latest Videos

Sponsored content

Power Centre - Content from our premier sponsors

Blogs

  • Brad Howarth The key Topik is always money
    One of the big problems of the internet is that is practically impossible to keep up-to-date on preferred topics. You can limit your sources, but this can mean missing a lot of valuable data.
  • Array Do we need the legislative blackmail?
    Virtually everyone in the telecommunications industry has their say in the Senate Standing Committee's public hearing into the pending legislation to split up Telstra, in this week's Twisted Wire podcast.
  • Array Give Tax a break for a Change
    Considering the circumstances the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) Change Program has been operating in over the last few years, it really hasn't been going too badly.
  • More blogs »

Tags

Back to top

Featured