Location: Scrounger Training: Communications Equipment

Discussion: Communications securityReported This is a featured thread

Category: Discussion Forum / General Discussion
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byates
byates
Communications security
Dec 17 2009, 8:46 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 17 2009, 8:46 PM EST
There are times when you want to ensure that your communications are not easily understood by outside parties. If you are using a computer to communicate with remote locations you can use a variety of software packages to encrypt your messages. There is also software to encrypt your computer files, or even the entire disk.

But, what about when you are using more basic communications methods? Pen and paper? How would you encrypt that? I just found a solution, one of many, but this might appeal to many here.
http://mckoss.com/Crypto/Enigma.htm
A copy of the Enigma machine used by the Germans during WWII, no electricity needed and can be duplicated almost anywhere. Do you find this valuable?    

MattLew
1. RE: Communications security
Feb 22 2010, 5:35 PM EST | Post edited: Feb 22 2010, 5:35 PM EST
anyone who is working a convoy, or running a survivor camp SHOULD have an interest in encryption. there are many types of encryption that apply well to ALL forms of communications. enigma is a historical archive, and by modern standards of encryption very primitive, but any character change encryption will slow down someone trying to spy on you. perhaps even better using dual encryption based on character change systems. but the KEY issue is the key. (yes pun intended) you have to develope a encryption/decryption key, then be very careful who you give it to..

only team leaders or communications officers should get a copy of the key, and should either have it memorized, or be ready to destroy it on a moments notice. further, while other team members should not be permitted to see the code book, they should know where the team leader has it so they can recover it in the event the team leader is killed or captured. Do you find this valuable?    

MattLew
2. RE: Communications security
Feb 22 2010, 5:45 PM EST | Post edited: Feb 22 2010, 5:45 PM EST
using digital communications can create even greater security, and it is easy to fix it so a computer can transmit over a radio as well, though it is against the law on most radio services. and encrypting the message is MOST CERTAINLY against the law, but chances are after z-day, not many people will care about that.

all you need is a laptop, an interface, and a radio.

some digital modes are even able to detect and use signals that you as the radio operator can not even hear. According to some of the information I have read, there have even been successful experiments to use these digital modes to bounce a signal off the moon allowing you to communicate with anyone on the same side of the planet as you.

using an encrypted message in adiugital communication mode only requires typing out your message, encrypting it, then cut and pasting the message into your communications software.

there have been some experiments using such systems on FRS radio systems to make portable communications systems. Additionally you can use a GPS and software called APRS to create a position tracking system. Do you find this valuable?    

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