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Black-bag Cryptanalysis




In Cryptography , black-bag cryptanalysis is an Euphemism for the extraction of cryptographic secrets from an organization by Burglary (or by means of a Keylogger installed surreptitiously on its computers), in contrast to a mathematical or technical Cryptanalytic Attack . The term refers to the black bag of equipment that a burglar would use (or, indirectly via Black Bag Operation ).

Much like Rubber-hose Cryptanalysis , this is technically not a form of cryptanalysis; the term is used sardonically. Given the free availability of very high strength cypher systems, this type of attack is a much more serious threat to most users than mathematical attacks.


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'Black bag cryptanalysis' is the underlying theme of the Splinter Cell series of computer games.


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