Ex-NSA boss says FBI director is wrong on encryption

The FBI director wants the keys to your private conversations on your smartphone to keep terrorists from plotting secret attacks. But the former head of the US National Security Agency -- the supreme experts on communications -- said that would be a terrible idea. General Michael Hayden, now retired, expressed his unwavering support for encryption, a feature that protects voice calls or texts by turning data into nonsensical, indecipherable code. "I disagree with [FBI director] Jim Comey," Hayden said. "I actually think end-to-end encryption is good for America."

At issue here is whether companies like Apple and Google should offer encryption to customers. It safeguards their devices from anyone trying to break in, whether it's criminal hackers or snooping federal agents. The Obama Administration, initially irked by the challenge posed to surveillance, has dropped any plans to push for laws that bar or limit encryption. But FBI Director James Comey continues to rail on tech companies for helping terrorists "go dark." He criticizes how tech companies have handed customers the only key to unlock their devices and chat logs. Director Comey wants companies to retain keys -- that open a "back door" in devices -- so that law enforcement can access them when needed to solve crimes."I know encryption represents a particular challenge for the FBI," Hayden said. "But on balance, I actually think it creates greater security for the American nation than the alternative: a backdoor."