vulcan-cryptanalysis

Linus and Lucy might also have been implemented in forms other than the
SOV IC, perhaps even in software. We are simply unaware of specific details
and would welcome further information and analysis. As with Vulcan, all of
these proprietary ciphers have been rendered obsolete in favor of more recent
ciphers such as AES. Nonetheless, Linus and Lucy are tempting targets.
For that matter, Motorola is far from the only manufacturer that sold proprietary
cryptographic devices. We know of many different manufacturers of
equipment, much of which is now cheaply available at ham fests and on eBay.
Recent advances in tools and techniques for reverse-engineering place most historical
cryptographic equipment within easy reach of anyone with the will to
understand how these devices work.
7.3 Epilog
We undertook this endeavor primarily as a learning exercise. We hope that
others will find this material both interesting and informative. Furthermore, we
hope this project inspires others to undertake similar projects, uncovering the
hidden secrets lurking beneath every proprietary cryptographic device. Many
such proprietary devices exist, providing ample material for would-be reverseengineers
and cryptographers. The Son-of-Vulcan device we mentioned is but
one of a plethora.
Many older cryptographic devices are simple enough to allow a complete
analysis by a single individual. However, some devices are sufficiently complex
to require a team effort to fully reverse-engineer and understand. To this end, we
recognize and wish to call attention to the need for an anonymous and secure
collaboration framework that would allow multiple team members to remain
anonymous while still enabling cooperation on potentially sensitive work such
as cryptographic reverse engineering. Anyone seeking a noble thesis project
should give serious thought to this most critical need.
References
[1] A. Klein, “Introduction to Stream Ciphers”, in Stream Ciphers, 1st ed.,
London, UK, Springer, 2013, ch. 1, sec. 1.2, pp. 6-7.
[2] S. Golomb, Shift Register Sequences, 1st ed., Laguna Hills, CA, Aegean
Park Press, 1982.
[3] J. Greefkes, K. Riemens, “Code Modulation with Digitally Controlled Companding
for Speech Transmission”, Philips Technical Review, vol. 31, no.
11-1, pp. 335, 1970.
[4] Export of Cryptography from the United States,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Export of cryptography from the United States
[5] A Legacy of Innovation: Timeline of Motorola History since 1928,
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US-EN/About/Company+Overview/History/Timeline
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