Encryption?

[+DarkLord]

So I was asked if passwords/accounts, etc on my BBS are encrypted.

 

I don't think so... Does any of the Atari BBS software (8bit or 16bit)

actually use encryption at this level?

 

Thanks, was just curious....

 

[Triads]

Most if not all BASIC language propelled BBS's did not encrypt the password file.

As for 8bit Express & ST line, I'd have to look

 

foReM for example creates a PAS.DAT file. Inside are pre-created 125 character lines. So, each line is 1 user, where 1-4 is the user password, 5-24 is the username, 25-37 is phone, then past that are total downloads/uploads/security levels/MASK if using XL/XE etc.. All readable as a text file.

Edited June 9, 2021 by Triads

[+DarkLord]

That's what I was thinking but thought I'd ask to make sure. I did scan through BBS

Express!'s manual but found nothing useful.

 

Thanks.

 

[JohnPolka]

You can always pull up the password/user file in a sector editor. If you can clearly read the password field, then it is not encrypted.

 

I would be surprised if any of the Atari 8 bit BBSs have encrypted passwords.

 

Even if passwords were encrypted, the fact that users are entering passwords over unsecured telnet connections, doesn't make them very secure.

 

-JP
 

Edited June 9, 2021 by JohnPolka

[Tillek]

It isn't really impossible to encrypt anything meaningfully on an 8-bit.  It can't do the math required quickly enough.  It would give "Checking Password: Please Wait" a whole new meaning.

 

That said, it's a problem with a simple solution.  Don't use your banking password as your BBS password.

 

[+DarkLord]

<mumbles something unrepeatable as he shambles off to change password>