Blowfish on 24, Again
Three nights ago, my encryption algorithm Blowfish was mentioned on the Fox show 24. The clip is available here, or streaming on Hulu. This is the exchange:
Janis Gold: I isolated the data Renee uploaded to Bauer but I can’t get past the filed header.
Larry Moss: What does that mean?
JG: She encrypted the name and address she used and I can’t seem to crack it.
LM: Who can?
JG: She used her personal computer. This is very serious encryption. I mean, there are some high-level people who can do it.
LM: Like who?
JG: Chloe O’Brian, but from what you told me earlier she’s too loyal to Bauer.
LM: Is her husband still here?
JG: Yes, he’s waiting to see you.
LM: He’s a level 6 analyst too.
…
JG: Mr. O’Brian, a short time ago one of our agents was in touch with Jack Bauer. She sent a name and address that we assume is his next destination. Unfortunately, it’s encrypted with Blowfish 148 and no one here knows how to crack that. Therefore, we need your help, please.
…
Morris O’Brian: Show me the file.
MO: Where’s your information. 16 or 32 bit
wavelengthword length?JG: 32.
MO: Native or modified data points?
JG: Native.
MO: The designer of this algorithm built a backdoor into his code. Decryption’s a piece of cake if you know the override codes.
LM: And you do?
MO: Yeah.
LM: Will this take long?
MO: Course not.
LM: Mr. O’Brian, can you tell me specifically when you’ll have the file decrypted?
MO: Yes.
MO: Now.
O’Brian spends just over 30 seconds at the keyboard.
This is the second time Blowfish has appeared on the show. It was broken the first time, too.
EDITED TO ADD (4/14): Avi Rubin comments.