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Coffee and Keys

12 September 2020

 

Souvenir coffee mug from 1993 CRYPTO IACR cryptography research conference, shown with the KSD-64A "Crypto Ignition Key" that it depicts.

 

The KSD-64A Crypto Ignition Key ("CIK") is a 64K bit EEPROM chip packed in a physical key form factor with electrical contacts along each edge. It has no internal CPU or secure storage itself; it is simply a memory storage device. It was used, among other applications, to store key material for and enable calls with the NSA-designed "STU-III" secure encrypted telephone used by US Government agencies for classified voice calls. It was sometimes called the "Fisher-Price key" for its resemblance to an oversized pre-school toy key on the market at the time. It was introduced in the mid 1980's, and only discontinued in 2014.

 

Rodenstock 120mm/5.6 APO Macro Sironar lens (@f/8). Phase One IQ4-150 digital back (@ ISO 50), Cambo Ultima D monorail camera modified with servo-controlled focus. Focus stacked composite of 68 images.

 

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Uploaded on September 13, 2020
Taken on September 13, 2020