RSA 2013: History of Encryption Through the Ages, From 700 BC Scytale to DES to Now, Wow

Written by Gina Smith

From the 700 BC Scytale to the Thomas Jefferson’s eponymous Jefferson Wheel to DES on up to now, this is the history of encryption technology like you’ve never seen it. An infographic on steroids. Incredible. And perfectly timed with RSA 2013 in San Francisco, running this week from Monday, February 25, 2013 to Friday, March 1. You’ve got to see this graphic to believe it. A work to behold.

aNewDomain.net — This is just a stunning compilation of the history of encryption through the ages, from the circa 700 BC scytale through Thomas Jefferson’s Jefferson Wheel, from the 1961 introduction of the first computer password right up to DES, full disk data encryption and more. And just in time for RSA 2013, too.

Data encryption is such a gnarly topic. And this history of encryption infographic is perfectly timed what with RSA 2013 here in San Francisco this week. If you’re checking out the show or following it, we’ve compiled some information for you on the schedule and some great events there you won’t want to miss. Head here for that. And feast your eyes on the image below. It’s so gorgeous, fact-packed and en pointe that the word infographic doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. Good golly, Miss Molly.

RSA-2013-TheHistoryofEncryptioninfographic

Could an encryption geek ask for anything more? No way, man. Spies are going to love it, too : ) For information about the RSA 2013 show, the following links are great. Click here for the official music playlist of RSA 2013 and, no, I don’t make this stuff up.

Is it just me or is the RSA show getting hipper, ala Macworld? I don’t expect a closing drum circle, though …

For aNewDomain.net — and the forthcoming aGNUdomain.net led by our Ant Pruitt and our senior tech ed and technologist Eric Finkenbiner I’m Gina Smith.
Follow me at @ginasmith888 or, where my real geek community lies, on my page on Google +

Drop me a line via Google+ if you’re interested in writing deep IT or Linux How Tos, tips, app reviews — or you just want to be published and want to talk privately about it. We can encrypt it. Just let’s not do it on Truecrypt. LOL.