Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman Flashcards
Who are Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman known for?
They are pioneers in cryptography, best known for inventing public-key cryptography.
When did Diffie and Hellman publish their groundbreaking paper?
In 1976.
What concept did Diffie and Hellman’s 1976 paper introduce?
Public-key cryptography, which uses separate keys for encryption and decryption.
What problem does public-key cryptography solve?
It solves the key distribution problem, allowing secure communication over insecure channels.
What are the two types of keys in public-key cryptography?
A public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
Which protocols are built on Diffie and Hellman’s work?
SSL/TLS, used for securing internet transactions and communications.
What is the name of the 1976 paper by Diffie and Hellman?
New Directions in Cryptography.
What major award did Diffie and Hellman receive in 2015?
They received the Turing Award.
What field was cryptography mostly associated with before Diffie and Hellman’s work?
It was mostly the domain of government intelligence and military institutions.
What significant challenge did Diffie and Hellman face when introducing their cryptography concept?
They faced resistance from government agencies like the NSA, which feared losing surveillance capabilities.
How did Diffie and Hellman influence modern online security?
Their work underpins secure communications over the internet, including online banking, emails, and transactions.
What era were Diffie and Hellman working in, and how did it affect their research?
The 1960s and 1970s, during the rise of computer networks and the Cold War, which increased the need for secure communication.
What additional cause has Martin Hellman advocated for outside of cryptography?
He has advocated for nuclear disarmament and global peace efforts.
What is Whitfield Diffie’s unique personality trait that made him stand out in tech circles?
His eccentric personality and long, wild hair.
Fill in the blank: Diffie and Hellman invented _____.
Public-key cryptography.
