February 11, 2016 —The use of encryption whether in messaging applications, using Bitcoin and other methods of privacy-centric technology continues to bother global leaders. Some of these technical advances have given authorities the opinion that they are being kept in the “dark.” Now Government officials in the U.S. are proposing to increase their funding to crack today’s encryption methods and enhance security. The Obama administration’s latest proposal the “Cybersecurity National Action Plan” details that the president believes cybersecurity is a difficult challenge for America.
Also Read: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Announces Switch to Bitcoin Classic
“Going Dark: $38.3 million — The requested funding will counter the threat of Going Dark, which includes the inability to access data because of challenges related to encryption, mobility, anonymization, and more. The FBI will develop and acquire tools for electronic device analysis, cryptanalytic capability, and forensic tools.” — Federal Bureau of Investigation
“The Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is increasing funding for cybersecurity-related activities by more than 23 percent to improve their capabilities to identify, disrupt, and apprehend malicious cyber actors.” — White House Cybersecurity Action Plan
In a recent article from the publication, Motherboard Vice an FBI official explains that the increased funding will be used for hacking tools. In an encrypted chat Christopher Soghoian, a technologist from the American Civil Liberties Union told the online magazine, “The days of reliable wiretaps are vanishing. [Hacking] is the next best thing for the FBI.” Officials are finding that they have to compete with the level of technology to apprehend these types of criminals. The FBI believes their request for increased funding is valid and empowers their services to keep up with the technological times. The FBI states:
Encryption is growing popular and governments all across the globe are feeling kept in the dark. These new proposals and policy regulations may affect technology like cryptocurrency, private messaging, and anything with a level of encryption. Many people believe that cryptography has protected our private affairs and civil liberties, so this war against the use of it will not happen without a fight.
What do you think about the federal government’s increased measures to stay ahead of encryption? Let us know in the comments below.
Images courtesy of Pixbay, Shutterstock and Wiki Commons