Date of Award
Spring 6-3-2017
Document Type
Honors Project
University Scholars Director
Dr. Jeff Keuss
First Advisor/Committee Member
Dr. Mike Tindall
Second Advisor/Committee Member
Prof. Elaine Weltz
Keywords
Encryption, Backdoor, Quantum Computing, Ethics
Abstract
In the age of technological advancement and the digitization of information, privacy seems to be all but an illusion. Encryption is supposed to be the white knight that keeps our information and communications safe from unwanted eyes, but how secure are the encryption algorithms that we use? Do we put too much trust in those that are charged with implementing our everyday encryption systems? This paper addresses the concept of backdoors in encryption: ways that encryption systems can be implemented so that the security can be bypassed by those that know about its existence. Many governments around the world are pushing for these kinds of bypassing mechanisms to exist so that they may utilize them. The paper discusses the ethical implications of these policies as well as how our current encryption algorithms will hold up to future technology such as quantum computers.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Jennifer A., "Encryption Backdoors: A Discussion of Feasibility, Ethics, and the Future of Cryptography" (2017). Honors Projects. 69.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/honorsprojects/69
Copyright Status
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author.
Comments
A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Scholars Program.