On Wednesday, June 06, 2012 01:56:52 AM Alexander Graf wrote:
The other one (FIPS) is basically a list of encryption algorithms that are
deemed OK and not crackable within seconds by anyone.
Only one of the 2 doesn't help much. In combination they actually enhance
security. This patch is only about FIPS though.
I don't have much to add beyond what Alex already posted. FIPS 140-2 outlines
a set of security requirements for systems implementing cryptography in a
variety of forms; the full requirements are likely beyond the scope here but
you can always read the full specification (Google knows where to find the
document).
The relevant portion appears to be annex A which lists the approved ciphers
and their approved uses; DES is not listed as an approved cipher and that is
the main problem we are trying to solve right now.