Encryption Fiction: Measuring Security & Substitution Algorithms

[mtanti]

I need to know how to measure the security of an encryption algorithm. I have no idea how code breakers do their job so I cannot rate an innovative algorithm. Also, does a substitution algorithm like the enigma used to work exist?

 

[TenaliRaman]

There is no hard and fast rule to measure security. There are two techniques that we normally look out for,
1. Adherence to shannon's principle of confusion and diffusion
2. Mathematical background for the encryption method (if there is one at all) should have its root in one of the NP Class problems.

have no idea how code breakers do their job so I cannot rate an innovative algorithm.

There are 5 possible attacks on an encryption.
1. ciphertext only attack
2. known plaintext attack
3. probable plaintext attack
4. chosen plaintext attack
5. chosen ciphertext attack
A very handy tool in such attacks is a] common sense b] statistics
You can pick up any good encryption book and read up on how each of the encryptions can be attacked. (many material is available even on net)

Also, does a substitution algorithm like the enigma used to work exist

DES uses substition and permutation as its basic transformations to introduce confusion and diffusion in the encryption method. Even AES uses substitution but its substitution is based on inverse modulo in GF(2^8) field.

-- AI

 

[ravenprp]

Measuring the security of an encryption algorithm can be a complex task, as it involves analyzing various factors such as the strength of the algorithm, the length of the key, and the randomness of the key generation process. One way to measure the security of an encryption algorithm is to use mathematical models and simulations to test the strength of the algorithm against different types of attacks. This can give an indication of the algorithm's resilience and its ability to withstand code-breaking attempts.

To accurately rate an innovative algorithm, it is important to have a thorough understanding of how code breakers operate and the techniques they use to break encryption. This requires knowledge of various cryptographic methods and algorithms, as well as an understanding of the latest advancements in cryptography. Without this knowledge, it can be challenging to accurately assess the security of an encryption algorithm.

As for substitution algorithms like the enigma used in the past, they do exist and have been used in various forms throughout history. However, modern encryption algorithms have evolved significantly and are much more complex and secure than substitution algorithms. They use advanced mathematical operations and techniques such as key scheduling and diffusion to make it extremely difficult for code breakers to decipher the encrypted data.

In conclusion, measuring the security of an encryption algorithm requires a deep understanding of cryptography and code-breaking techniques. It is a complex task that involves analyzing various factors and using mathematical models and simulations to test the strength of the algorithm. While substitution algorithms like the enigma exist, modern encryption algorithms are much more secure and use advanced techniques to protect sensitive data.