Should I Use NNTP SSL?

SSL encrypts data transmission over a network.

Low Risk Approach

Network news transfer protocol (NNTP) is used to transmit newsreader data from Usenet. Due to the decentralized nature of Usenet and the method by which data is broken up and transmitted, there is considerable skill involved with eavesdropping and reassembling transmitted data.

Alleviating Vulnerabilities

Using a secure sockets layer (SSL) encrypts all data transmitted over a network from origin to destination. Traffic over the NNTP protocol not sent with SSL can be identified and attributed directly to an individual. Internet service providers or third parties can easily corrupt or intercept the data being transmitted.

Bottom Line

Any security is better when transmitting data over a network than using no security at all. Using NNTP with SSL gives almost no perceptible impact to performance of transmission speed. Encrypting any traffic, regardless of the content, is always preferable when there is little or no negative impact or additional cost.

References

• Lincoln University: NNTP Protocol Overview
• Marquette University: Transport Level Security
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Usenet

Resources

• University of Washington: Network Security Credo