March 29, 2005
Secret Service Uses Distributed Desktop Computing to Break Passwords
The Secret Service uses 4000 of their own employee desktop computers to break passwords of would-be criminals to nail them in court. Normally a 256-bit encrypted key would take too long, however even the bad guys are known to choose non-random passwords. The Feds use a "plaintext" search of the person's hard-drive from email, documents, and even the web browser cache for password fodder. Most of the time the password is a quirky word from a hobby. AccessData has learned law enforcement can break 40-50% of passwords just by using the internet browser log and web site bookmarks. So for you criminals out there, pick a random collection of letters and numbers if you want the Feds to have a tough time getting evidence.Tying together its employees' desktop computers in a network designed to crack passwords that alleged criminals have used to scramble evidence of their crimes -- everything from lists of stolen credit card numbers and Social Security numbers to records of bank transfers and e-mail communications with victims and accomplices. To date, the Secret Service has linked 4,000 of its employees' computers into the "Distributed Networking Attack" program.
