What are initialization vectors?
Initialization Vectors (IVs) are a fundamental concept in the field of cryptography, particularly in the context of stream ciphers, random numbers, and the one-time pad. They play a important role in ensuring the security and integrity of encrypted data. This detailed explanation will consider the nature, purpose, and application of IVs, providing a comprehensive understanding
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/CCF Classical Cryptography Fundamentals, Stream ciphers, Stream ciphers, random numbers and the one-time pad
Are AES based on finite fields?
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a widely utilized symmetric encryption algorithm that has become a cornerstone in modern cryptographic systems. Its design and operational principles are deeply rooted in the mathematical structure of finite fields, specifically Galois Fields, which play a important role in the algorithm's functionality and security. Finite fields, also known as
Is DES prone to the meet-in-the-middle attack?
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a symmetric-key algorithm for the encryption of digital data. It was developed in the early 1970s and was later adopted as a federal standard in the United States in 1977. DES is a block cipher, meaning it encrypts data in fixed-size blocks, specifically 64-bit blocks, using a 56-bit key.
Is using a finite set common in cryptography?
In the realm of classical cryptography, the utilization of finite sets is indeed a common and fundamental concept. Cryptography, at its core, is the science of securing communication and ensuring information confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. The principles and mechanisms underpinning cryptographic systems frequently employ finite sets, which are collections of distinct elements with a limited
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/CCF Classical Cryptography Fundamentals, Introduction, Introduction to cryptography
Can PSRNG be made by block ciphers?
The question of whether a Pseudorandom Number Generator (PSRNG or PRNG) can be constructed using block ciphers is one of significant interest within the field of cryptography. Block ciphers are fundamental cryptographic primitives that are widely used for securing data through encryption. A block cipher takes a fixed-size block of plaintext and a key as
What are the properties of a field?
In the context of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) block cipher cryptosystem, understanding the properties of a field, particularly a Galois Field (GF), is important. A Galois Field, also known as a finite field, is a field that contains a finite number of elements. The properties of such fields are foundational to many cryptographic algorithms,
How do timing attacks exploit variations in execution time to infer sensitive information from a system?
Timing attacks are a sophisticated class of side-channel attacks that exploit the variations in the time it takes for a system to execute cryptographic algorithms or other sensitive operations. These variations can be measured and analyzed to infer sensitive information, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data. The fundamental principle behind timing attacks
Why is the Data Encryption Standard (DES) considered vulnerable to brute-force attacks, and how does modern computational power affect its security?
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a symmetric-key algorithm for the encryption of digital data. Initially adopted as a federal standard in the United States in 1977, DES has played a significant role in the history of cryptography. However, DES is now considered vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to several factors, including its relatively short
How does double encryption work, and why is it not as secure as initially thought?
Double encryption is a cryptographic technique that involves encrypting data twice, typically with two different keys, in an attempt to enhance security. This method is often considered in scenarios where the security of a single encryption might be deemed insufficient. However, despite its apparent increase in complexity, double encryption does not necessarily provide a proportional
What role does the initialization vector (IV) play in Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode, and how does it enhance security?
Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode is a fundamental mode of operation for block ciphers that enhances the security of encrypted data by introducing an element known as the Initialization Vector (IV). The IV plays a critical role in ensuring the security and integrity of the encryption process. To fully appreciate the importance of the IV