The use of steganography by terrorists for the communication of ...

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The use of steganography by terrorists for the communication of ...

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• Arts

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• Publié par: ycyzadom
• Nombre de lectures: 85
• Langue: English

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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Steganos responds to the current demands for a

ban on cryptography and steganography

Following the atrocious terrorist attacks in the USA, methods of encryption, in particular

steganography, have become the focus of criticism in the media as well as in political,

police and military circles. Terrorist Osama bin Laden, sought by authorities worldwide,

is said to have been using steganography software to coordinate terrorist attacks.

FRANKFURT/MAIN, 20. September 2001 – The brutal attacks on the World Trade

Center have profoundly shocked the world. Even before 11 September, it was

known that terrorists such as Osama bin Laden had been using steganography for

secret communications with one another. Since the terrible attacks of 11

September there has been an increased number of calls from different quarters for

a ban on digital cryptography and steganography products. Steganos as the

worldwide market leader in steganographic software has also been subject to

criticism and would like to take the opportunity herewith of stating its position on

the possible misuse of its products for the perpetration of criminal acts.

The use of steganography by terrorists for the communication of secret data

According to reports in USA Today (19.06.2001) US sources had already confirmed

that the terrorist Osama bin Laden had been using steganographic software. Through its

combination of encryption and invisibility of the encrypted data, steganography offers

complete protection from data espionage. With steganography, messages can be

hidden in image or sound files before being sent. Bin Laden is said to have hidden

information in the pictures of a pornographic internet web page and in the messages in

a sports chat room.

The position of Steganos

As Steganos Security Suite is the worldwide market leader in the field of steganography,

it cannot be ruled out that this software was used in conjunction with the recent

attacks. Steganos would therefore like to make the following statement. Fabian

Hansmann (Managing Director of Steganos): “As the manufacturers of security software

we would like to disassociate ourselves absolutely from each and every criminal misuse

of our software. Like all other peace-loving people we severely condemn the terrorist

attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and are deeply dismayed at the

thought of any possible usage of our products in this connection. Our software is

conceived as a tool for protecting such basic rights as privacy and freedom of speech.

Ever since the inception of our business we have strictly and exactly adhered to the

export regulations of the Federal Government. We do not supply Afghanistan – and 28

other countries – with encryption products and have not done so in the past.”

No sense in banning encryption

Hansmann continues: “Our software is used by private individuals, companies and

public offices who have a justifiable interest in the protection of their data. Every person

has a right to privacy and freedom of speech. In a number of states these rights are

denied and human rights trampled upon. Steganography can effectively help to protect

the given right of freedom of opinion. The uncovering of certain information could in

itself become a threat to life; such information can now be freely exchanged. Due to

the worldwide distribution of our software among well over one million users, a

criminal misuse in individual cases cannot be completely excluded, despite all

Steganos GmbH

http://www.steganos.com/

TECHNICAL SERVICE

http://support.steganos.com

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http://mail.steganos.com

PUBLISHER:

Steganos GmbH

Katja Pryss

Marketing

Eckenheimer Landstr. 17

60318 Frankfurt

Tel.: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

PRESS AGENCY

MediaGold GmbH

Markus Y. Soffner

Public Relations

Goldbergstr. 6

81479 München

Tel.: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]