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
What is the key space of an affine cipher?
The key space of an affine cipher is a fundamental concept in the study of classical cryptography, particularly within the domain of modular arithmetic and historical ciphers. Understanding the key space involves comprehending the range of possible keys that can be used within the affine cipher algorithm to encrypt and decrypt messages. The affine cipher
What is the exponentiation function in the RSA cipher?
The RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) cryptosystem is a cornerstone of public-key cryptography, which is widely used for securing sensitive data transmission. One of the critical elements of the RSA algorithm is the exponentiation function, which plays a pivotal role in both the encryption and decryption processes. This function involves raising a number to a power, and then
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/CCF Classical Cryptography Fundamentals, Introduction to public-key cryptography, The RSA cryptosystem and efficient exponentiation
Can an encrytion be deterministic?
Encryption, in the realm of cybersecurity, can indeed be deterministic, although the desirability and application of such deterministic encryption depend on the specific use case and security requirements. To understand the nuances of deterministic encryption, it is essential to consider the principles of classical cryptography, particularly the modes of operation for block ciphers. Block ciphers
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/CCF Classical Cryptography Fundamentals, Applications of block ciphers, Modes of operation for block ciphers
How can linear cyrptanalysis break a DES cryptosystem?
Linear cryptanalysis is a potent cryptanalytic attack method that applies linear approximations to the action of a cryptographic algorithm. It is particularly effective against block ciphers such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES). To understand how linear cryptanalysis can break a DES cryptosystem, it is essential to consider the mechanics of both DES and the
What is a public key?
In the realm of cybersecurity, particularly within the scope of classical cryptography fundamentals, the concept of a public key is central to the understanding and implementation of public-key cryptography (PKC). Public-key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography, is a cryptographic system that employs pairs of keys: public keys, which may be disseminated widely, and private
What are modes of operation?
Modes of operation are essential mechanisms in the field of cryptography, particularly in the application of block ciphers. A block cipher is a deterministic algorithm operating on fixed-size blocks of plaintext and transforming them into ciphertext using a symmetric key. However, plaintext messages are rarely of a size that conveniently fits into a single block,
What does the ECB mode do to simple block ciphers
The Electronic Codebook (ECB) mode is one of the simplest and most straightforward modes of operation for block ciphers. In the context of cybersecurity and classical cryptography, understanding the intricacies of ECB mode is important for comprehending both its applications and limitations. This explanation aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed exploration of ECB mode,
What is a stream cipher using a truely random key binary sequence
A stream cipher is a type of symmetric key cipher where plaintext digits are combined with a pseudorandom cipher digit stream (keystream). In the context of using a truly random key binary sequence, the stream cipher operates in a manner akin to the one-time pad (OTP), which is considered the epitome of secure encryption under
How may subkeys does DES cipher use?
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a symmetric-key algorithm for the encryption of digital data. Symmetric-key algorithms use the same key for both encryption and decryption, which necessitates secure key management. DES is a block cipher, meaning it encrypts data in fixed-size blocks. Specifically, DES processes data in 64-bit blocks, utilizing a 56-bit key to
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/CCF Classical Cryptography Fundamentals, DES block cipher cryptosystem, Data Encryption Standard (DES) - Encryption

