Bugging the Digital Network

In the Spring 1992 issue of Information Systems Security, John Podesta addressed the FBI's attempt to ensure its ability to eavesdrop on digital communications by imposing a 'truly radical solution' on computer software and hardware vendors. As Podesta noted, law enforcement officials have identified three key issues associated with the transition from analog to digital modes of communication Digital technology makes it easier to implement encryption and signal modulation to ensure privacy. It will become more difficult to "bug" individual communications at a central office switch. I Individuals will not have to rely on the network for encryption, because such privacy-enhancing technologies are increasingly available with microcomputers and specialized software.