Lots of people working in cryptography have no deep concern with real application issues. They are trying to discover things clever enough to write papers about.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I understood the importance in principle of public key cryptography but it's all moved much faster than I expected. I did not expect it to be a mainstay of advanced communications technology.
Cryptography is the essential building block of independence for organisations on the Internet, just like armies are the essential building blocks of states, because otherwise one state just takes over another.
The concern is over what will happen as strong encryption becomes commonplace with all digital communications and stored data. Right now the use of encryption isn't all that widespread, but that state of affairs is expected to change rapidly.
Whilst worthy in themselves, applications shouldn't be the only way to drive basic research.
Somebody will be able to overcome any encryption technique you use!
I characterize myself as a retired hacker. I'm applying what I know to improve security at companies.
I chose to deal with the science of cryptography. Cryptography began in mathematics. Codes were developed, even from Caesar's time, based on number theory and mathematical principles. I decided to use those principles and designed a work that is encoded.
I've met some smart people doing security work in the government, and they're starting to reach out to a broader audience, which I think is a good thing.
There is an unarguable downside to unbreakable encryption.
Everyone is a proponent of strong encryption.