Scientists promise an end to web attacks

[nsane.forums]

New technology could make cyber attacks 'computationally impossible'

Research published by academics at the University of Bristol's Department of Computer Science suggests that a new technology could render cyber attacks " computationally impossible".

The experts will present their research at the ASIACRYPT 2009 security and cryptology conference being held in Japan this week. Paul Morrissey, Nigel Smart and Bogdan Warinschi will discuss how a new technique could be applied that makes web site attacks impossible.

The researchers plan to demonstrate how encryption could be used to prevent attacks such as denial of service, while also providing two-factor authentication that does not overburden users. Both hardware and software issues will be discussed.

A second paper will demonstrate how to transfer information between databases in a truly encrypted way. The researchers suggested that this could be used by doctors to access centralised healthcare databases in a way that protects patient confidentiality, for example.

A final paper covers what the researchers call "basic constructions in cryptography", which could be applied to applications like the web browser.

"We are delighted to have such a strong presence at this year's ASIACRYPT conference, especially as it was particularly hard to have papers accepted. Of 300 submissions, just over 40 were selected for presentation at the conference, " said Smart, a professor of cryptology, and co-author of two of the papers.

View: Original Article

[Bizarre™]

Put end to web attacks? I doubt that

As long as it's man-made it can never reach perfection.

[Night Owl]

I really doubt it too. First, the computer scientists have to listen to the 40 presentations and read through the rest of the 300 submissions. Then they have to agree on a standard which will take years. (How many years was it before 802.11n Wi-Fi was finally standardized? ;) ;)) Then the internet has to accept their standard. But things will probably break and be incompatible so their standard might not go far anyway.

[manpe]

I think it's plausible but highly unlikely, at least in the near future. The resistance is too strong for the time being, but god knows what future brings.

[tonyblair]

it was particularly hard to have papers accepted. Of 300 submissions, just over 40 were selected for presentation at the conference

300 - 40 = 260 So 86% of crap. :rant: (sorry it is encrypted)