Erik L. Arneson — Writer and Software Developer

New PGP Key for 2018

2018-05-24T21:10:43+00:00

I’ve upgraded to a 4096-bit RSA OpenPGP key. The new key fingerprint is FB05 D043 5BA4 6C32 66AE 2F74 17D0 60A6 16EC 3D6E and you can download it by clicking on that link.

The key is also available on your favorite PGP keyserver, or through my Keybase account.

OMSI Science on Screen: The Imitation Game

2017-03-17T20:17:00+00:00

On March 28th, I will be giving a lecture called “Computers and the Dawn of Modern Cryptography” at OMSI as part of their Science on Screen program. I’ll be speaking and answering questions just before a screening of The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. I am really excited about this opportunity! Please come down to OMSI for an informative lecture and an excellent film.

Buy Tickets Here

OpenPGP for WordPress Now Supports Contact Form 7

2016-01-20T16:54:43+00:00

OpenPGP Form Encryption for WordPress now supports Contact Form 7. You can download version 1.4.0 at the WordPress plugin site and start using a safer contact form on your website today!

Security Link Rodeo: Privacy, Your Passwords, and Hackers

2015-06-19T21:34:02+00:00

Edward Snowden wrote an op-ed in the New York Times where he argues that people are finally starting to care about privacy and preventing global surveillance. And though we care more, we also feel more powerless, according to a recent survey.

Online password database service LastPass had a serious security breach. Encrypted master passwords were leaked. This further outlines the problem with our current password-based approach to security. We need something better!

https://twitter.com/intermedia_net/status/611925215526961152

Things are getting better for privacy and security on the web. Cedexis reports that SSL use is on the rise, and about 35% of the traffic they are routing is encrypted now. After switching to SSL, you might want to read about hardening your WordPress site against malicious use.

Finally, learn how to hire a hacker on the deep web, and read an interview with Jesse Victors, a new Tor developer.

https://twitter.com/ste_trombetti/status/451355792923688961

The featured image for this post is from Flickr user Marc Falardeau.

The History of Cryptography at PUGS

2015-04-21T15:11:17+00:00

Portland Underground Graduate School (PUGS) has invited me to teach a class on the history of cryptography starting May 4th. The class will be four sessions and is very affordable: only $40!

We will cover the basics of cryptography, where it came from, and why it’s important. In addition, I will teach you how to use a number of manual cryptographic techniques. I’m really excited about this class, and I can’t wait to share my knowledge!

To learn more and to sign up, please visit the PUGS class listing here.