Jihadists get world-class encryption kit

The Global Islamic Media Front has released a new set of encryption tools to help militants conduct clandestine communications, according to a security firm.

Through its alleged contacts within the militant jihadist community, VeriSign staff have acquired a pre-release version of the group's latest encryption tools called "Asrar Al-Mujahidin" or "Mujahedeen Secrets", according to Rick Howard, director of intelligence at VeriSign's iDefense security intelligence services.

The new version -- the second of its kind to be released by the group -- is designed to eliminate the need to send files and messages over public file-sharing sites. Instead, those wishing to communicate without being spied on can rely on more secure, Arabic-language, jihadist-oriented chat sites and forums to route clandestine communications, said Howard.

The program also includes the security industry's best encryption algorithms, which include 256-bit encryption, variable stealth cipher encryption keys, RSA 2,048-bit encryption keys and encrypted chat-forum-supported instant messaging, Howard added.

"This is the most significant tool release in several months by the cyber jihadist underground," VeriSign said.

"It reflects their incrementally growing technical sophistication and it shows how seriously they are taking the security of their online communications, thereby exhibiting the importance they attach to the Internet as an operational support medium."