Content-scrambling system

Content-Scrambling System (CSS) is an encryption system used on some DVDs. It uses a weak, proprietary 40-bit encryption stream cipher algorithm. The system was introduced circa 1996.

Related Topics:
Encryption - DVD - 40-bit encryption - Stream cipher - 1996

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The CSS key sets are licensed to manufactors who incorporate them into products such as DVD drives, DVD players and DVD movie releases. Most DVD players are equipped with a CSS Decryption module. CSS key is a collective term for authentication key, disc key, player key, title key, second disk key set, and/or encrypted key.

Related Topics:
DVD drive - DVD player

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In October 1999, the algorithm was reverse engineered by Jon Johansen and DeCSS was released. The CSS algorithm was soon revealed to be easily susceptible to a brute force attack. The weakness of the protection is due to US government crypto-export regulations, apart from being an example of the trusted client problem.

Related Topics:
1999 - Reverse engineer - Jon Johansen - DeCSS - Brute force attack - Trusted client

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