From Ralf Biernacki
The idea of using Google Search for sending hidden messages (18 June, p 26) was less than convincing for several reasons.
You would need to be in possession of a codebook, which would be a double liability. Being caught with a codebook is bad enough, but if it falls into the wrong hands, the whole channel is compromised. It would also be necessary to infect computers with a keylogger of sorts, to track which keys you strike. This might be a problem as most public computers don’t let users install anything. The keylogger is evidence if traces are left on the computer.
As well as all these kludges, the method will only work if there is considerable traffic between the sender and receiver, which the article alludes to. Verdict: two thumbs down.
Gdansk, Poland
