[555] in Humor
A new novel method of encryption
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Kevin 'Bob' Fu)
Sun Nov 20 17:01:18 1994
To: humor@MIT.EDU
Cc: warlord@MIT.EDU, thomasc@MIT.EDU
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 1994 16:57:33 EST
From: Kevin 'Bob' Fu <fubob@MIT.EDU>
Here's a very interesting method of encryption that I discovered.
One travel agency has apparently solved the problem of sending personal
data across the internet. heh...
--beginning
CREDIT CARD ENCRYPTION
Public Encryption Algorithm for Credit Card Security
If you wish to encrypt your credit card number, you may use the
public algorithm described below. It is based on a two character
key which our Customer Service department will pass to you before
you enter the number, either by email: (davidlea@merlin.nando.net)
or voice phone (919-831-3868). Your private encryption key will be
stored in your profile and will only be accessible to the security
officers of PCTravel.
Here is how you use the encryption algorithm:
1. If the second character of your key is "F" (forward), write
the numbers from 0 to 9, sequentially. Underneath, write
numbers sequentially starting with the first character of your
encryption key. For example, if your private key is 2F, write
the numbers 2 through 9 with 0 and 1 at the end, as follows:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 <-- forward fixed string
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 <-- encryption string based on key
2. Code each number of your credit card with the corresponding
number from the encryption key. (Look for the number 6 in the
fixed string and code the number 8 from the encryption string,
instead.) Example:
MC 6000777234560002 expires 06/96
8222999456782224 <-- encrypted
3. When PCTravel asks for your credit card number, enter the
encrypted number in reverse sequence: 4222876549992228.
Another example:
Suppose your key is 3R ("3" is the starting number, "R"
indicates reverse).
1. List the numbers 0 through 9 in reverse order. Underneath, list
numbers sequentially, starting with the first character of your key.
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 <-- reverse fixed string
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 <-- encryption string based on key
2. Code the numbers according to their positions:
MC 6000777234560002 expires 06/96
6222555098762220 <-- encrypted
3. When asked for your card number, enter the numbers in reverse:
0222678905552226
WARNING: Although this algorithm is not intended for encrypting
top secret documents <g>, it is an adequate deterrent against
theft of credit card numbers on the internet, provided the
private key is not disclosed. Anyone attempting to use the card
number would have to try (by attempting an actual purchase) up
to 18 combinations of the encrypted number.
You can reach the Main Menu at any time with the {ESC} key.
Press escape key to reach the Main Menu.
--end
Interesting eh?
Look for yourself at http://www.nando.net/pctravel.html
--------
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