International controls: history (2)

• Main point of control - Key length
  • Encryption strength is based largely on key length
  • Key lengths of 56 bits or less can be cracked with moderate resources
• COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls) 1949-1994
  • Informal agreement between Western allies to control strategic goods and technologies
  • Post Cold War (1992), desire to include Warsaw Pact states and former Soviet republics