Approves use of DreamStream and its 2048-bit "military strength" anti-piracy encryption technology to protect content streamed to viewers online.The MPAA has taken an additional step to prevent pirates from copying digital streams of online content with news that it has approved the use of Dreamstream, a 2048-bit "military strength" encryption technology. "We are very excited to have the MPAA stand behind our technology," said Ulf Diebel, chief development officer for DreamStream. "The MPAA understands the need to be proactive - rather than reactive -- in addressing the chokehold that piracy has on the motion picture industry. Their recommendation is not something that Hollywood will take lightly." Laura Tunberg, MGM's former vice president of intellectual property enforcement, first introduced the MPAA to DreamStream's system in March of 2008. Since that time, the MPAA has reviewed the technology and found it to be a viable means for securing digital content, Solomon said. "We are very excited about our breakthrough technology. For the first time, digital content can be distributed without fear of piracy. By making it possible for studios and other copyright holders to secure their content, we can make it impossible for movies to be digitally pirated," said Diebel. "DreamStream can restore property rights to their owners and restore the commercial success of music and video recordings with a solution that benefits both producers and consumers." In recent years, online media distribution systems, such as Apple's iTunes, have continually fallen prey to digital piracy. DreamStream claims to have the solution to this dilemma. "The existing systems are broken," said Diebel. "If studios and artists want to confront the problem of piracy they must embrace a comprehensive restructuring of their distribution methods." The MPAA was attracted to DreamStream's system because it differs from existing products and services in several ways. Most noteworthy, DreamStream's system operates via online streaming and not file downloads. As such, purchased content cannot be stored on users' hard disks, which eliminates the possibility of copying or redistributing the digital files. Because the content does not have to be downloaded, DreamStream's technology is able to transmit media files at such higher qualities than are currently being offered by DreamStream's competitors. With only a 4 Mbps Internet connection, DreamStream's system is able to provide consumers with HD quality content. Unique to DreamStream's technology is the instant availability of the digital content offered. While most media systems require download or processing delays, DreamStream's system is able to offer its users instant access to digital content. DreamStream's technology also features encryption that greatly exceeds current standards. While existing online media distribution systems are typically secured using only 128 bit encryptions, DreamStream touts a full 20-round, 2048 bit encryption, which is the strongest in the industry. To date, DreamStream is the only company to offer the protection of military grade encryption in the online delivery of streaming media. From the DreamStream site:
DreamStream's unpublished encryption has never been compromised by hackers or digital pirates. "To win the war on piracy, the studios need DreamStream's military grade capabilities," said Diebel. DreamStream's file streaming system is one of the many uses for the company's encryption technologies. DreamStream's encryption can be imbedded into any online or computer-based system. DreamStream is currently developing a secured, low-cost, high-definition disc-based system to rival Sony's Blu-ray technology. "Military strength" or not, hackers are sure to find a workaround at some point. Remember how Sony's supposedly "copy-proof" CDs were cracked with a simple black marker? |
 
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and even then a hacker could extract the key using the same technique used by video game copiers ( there are devices that can copy the code from a game cartridge to disk ).
It's unlikely they're using a 2048 bit key to encrypt the entire movie cause public key encryption is very slow, but much like SSL using it as a secure means to exchange a smaller key for use with a much faster private key cipher.
In any case these DRM companies must not understand encryption and the fundamentals of the Von Neumann computer architecture, cause if they did they would know the key must exist in unencrypted form in memory at some point. The hack that broke AACS was a slightly modified chosen-plaintext attack, the hacker dumped the memory for the HD-DVD player and went through it byte by byte testing for keys, which was made easier by the fact AACS consortium release detail technical details of the protection system and example implementation of certain parts. I suspect DreamStream would be vulnerable to a similar attack.
1) Like prh99 said the decrypted data (and decryption keys) will have to reside in memory at some point and thus can be dumped to a harddisk and sorted out by a hacker with too much time on his hands.
2) IIRC Civilian use of very strong forms of encryption is really super ILLEGAL. Isn't the MPAA or DreamStream risking legal action by using this grade of encryption?
"can use strong encryption fear of back doors" should say "can use strong encryption without fear of government mandated back doors."
Thanks for the info. It's good to know that we can use strong cryptography without legal threat. Last I heard there were some restrictions on its use, but I haven't exactly kept up with all the news. God Bless the EFF.