This Day in History
June 17, 1997
Hackers Decipher Data Encryption Standard
Hackers deciphered computer code written in the Data Encryption Standard, which had been designed to be an impenetrable encryption software. A group of users organized over the Internet cracked the software -- the strongest legally exportable encryption software in the United States -- after five months of work. The United States bans stronger encryption software out of fear that it would be used by terrorists, but companies designing the software say such restrictions are worthless because foreign countries offer much stronger programs.