ARPANET encryption devices

DuPont and Fidler provide a historical perspective of ARPANET encryption devices in the broader evolution of computer networks and cybersecurity.

It was in an early ideation phase by 1973,[3] with a stated goal of providing users with the equivalent of a private, leased line through the ARPANET.

As design progressed, it evolved into a packet encryption device, which was approved starting in 1975 by the National Security Agency for limited deployment on the ARPANET, to protect classified data as it passed through the network.

[4] Black-Crypto-Red (BCR) was an experimental, end-to-end, network packet encryption system developed in a working prototype form by BBN and the Collins Radio division of Rockwell between 1975 and 1980.

[2] They were intended for use in the Defense Data Network and also in DARPA Low-Cost Packet Radios in the SURAN project.