A Methodology for the Cryptanalysis of Classical Ciphers with Search Metaheuristics

A Methodology for the Cryptanalysis of Classical Ciphers with Search Metaheuristics
Author: George Lasry
Publisher: kassel university press GmbH
Total Pages: 249
Release: 2018
Genre:
ISBN: 3737604584

Cryptography, the art and science of creating secret codes, and cryptanalysis, the art and science of breaking secret codes, underwent a similar and parallel course during history. Both fields evolved from manual encryption methods and manual codebreaking techniques, to cipher machines and codebreaking machines in the first half of the 20th century, and finally to computerbased encryption and cryptanalysis from the second half of the 20th century. However, despite the advent of modern computing technology, some of the more challenging classical cipher systems and machines have not yet been successfully cryptanalyzed. For others, cryptanalytic methods exist, but only for special and advantageous cases, such as when large amounts of ciphertext are available. Starting from the 1990s, local search metaheuristics such as hill climbing, genetic algorithms, and simulated annealing have been employed, and in some cases, successfully, for the cryptanalysis of several classical ciphers. In most cases, however, results were mixed, and the application of such methods rather limited in their scope and performance. In this work, a robust framework and methodology for the cryptanalysis of classical ciphers using local search metaheuristics, mainly hill climbing and simulated annealing, is described. In an extensive set of case studies conducted as part of this research, this new methodology has been validated and demonstrated as highly effective for the cryptanalysis of several challenging cipher systems and machines, which could not be effectively cryptanalyzed before, and with drastic improvements compared to previously published methods. This work also led to the decipherment of original encrypted messages from WWI, and to the solution, for the first time, of several public cryptographic challenges.

Secret History

Secret History
Author: Craig Bauer
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 775
Release: 2021-04-20
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1351668498

The first edition of this award-winning book attracted a wide audience. This second edition is both a joy to read and a useful classroom tool. Unlike traditional textbooks, it requires no mathematical prerequisites and can be read around the mathematics presented. If used as a textbook, the mathematics can be prioritized, with a book both students and instructors will enjoy reading. Secret History: The Story of Cryptology, Second Edition incorporates new material concerning various eras in the long history of cryptology. Much has happened concerning the political aspects of cryptology since the first edition appeared. The still unfolding story is updated here. The first edition of this book contained chapters devoted to the cracking of German and Japanese systems during World War II. Now the other side of this cipher war is also told, that is, how the United States was able to come up with systems that were never broken. The text is in two parts. Part I presents classic cryptology from ancient times through World War II. Part II examines modern computer cryptology. With numerous real-world examples and extensive references, the author skillfully balances the history with mathematical details, providing readers with a sound foundation in this dynamic field. FEATURES Presents a chronological development of key concepts Includes the Vigenère cipher, the one-time pad, transposition ciphers, Jefferson’s wheel cipher, Playfair cipher, ADFGX, matrix encryption, Enigma, Purple, and other classic methods Looks at the work of Claude Shannon, the origin of the National Security Agency, elliptic curve cryptography, the Data Encryption Standard, the Advanced Encryption Standard, public-key cryptography, and many other topics New chapters detail SIGABA and SIGSALY, successful systems used during World War II for text and speech, respectively Includes quantum cryptography and the impact of quantum computers

Elements of Cryptanalysis

Elements of Cryptanalysis
Author: United States. War Department
Publisher:
Total Pages: 180
Release: 1924
Genre: Ciphers
ISBN:

"This pamphlet forms the basis of a course in military codes and ciphers given at the Signal School, Camp Alfred, N.J. by Capt. W.F. Friedman ..."--p. v.

Applied Cryptanalysis

Applied Cryptanalysis
Author: Mark Stamp
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 424
Release: 2007-06-15
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9780470148761

The book is designed to be accessible to motivated IT professionals who want to learn more about the specific attacks covered. In particular, every effort has been made to keep the chapters independent, so if someone is interested in has function cryptanalysis or RSA timing attacks, they do not necessarily need to study all of the previous material in the text. This would be particularly valuable to working professionals who might want to use the book as a way to quickly gain some depth on one specific topic.

A Life in Code

A Life in Code
Author: G. Stuart Smith
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2017-04-26
Genre: History
ISBN: 1476628165

Protesters called it an act of war when the U.S. Coast Guard sank a Canadian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Mexico in 1929. It took a cool-headed codebreaker solving a "trunk-full" of smugglers' encrypted messages to get Uncle Sam out of the mess: Elizebeth Smith Friedman's groundbreaking work helped prove the boat was owned by American gangsters. This book traces the career of a legendary U.S. law enforcement agent, from her work for the Allies during World War I through Prohibition, when she faced danger from mobsters while testifying in high profile trials. Friedman founded the cryptanalysis unit that provided evidence against American rum runners and Chinese drug smugglers. During World War II, her decryptions brought a Japanese spy to justice and her Coast Guard unit solved the Enigma ciphers of German spies. Friedman's "all source intelligence" model is still used by law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies against 21st century threats.

CRYPTOGRAPHY PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS (A Cryptography Textbook)

CRYPTOGRAPHY PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS (A Cryptography Textbook)
Author: Dharminder Chaudhary
Publisher: JEC PUBLICATION
Total Pages: 123
Release:
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9361755803

In an age where digital information is ubiquitous and the need for secure communication and data protection is paramount, understanding cryptography has become essential for individuals and organizations alike. This book aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to the principles, techniques, and applications of cryptography, catering to both beginners and experienced practitioners in the field. Cryptography, the art and science of securing communication and data through mathematical algorithms and protocols, has a rich history dating back centuries. From ancient techniques of secret writing to modern cryptographic algorithms and protocols used in digital communication networks, cryptography has evolved significantly to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and digitized world. This book is structured to provide a systematic and accessible introduction to cryptography, covering fundamental concepts such as encryption, decryption, digital sig- natures, key management, and cryptographic protocols. Through clear explanations, practical examples, and hands-on exercises, readers will gain a deep understanding of cryptographic principles and techniques, enabling them to apply cryptography effectively in real-world scenarios. Key Features of This Book: Comprehensive coverage of cryptographic principles, algorithms, and protocols. Practical examples and code snippets to illustrate cryptographic concepts. Discussions on modern cryptographic techniques such as homomorphic encryption, post-quantum cryptography, and blockchain cryptography. Insights into cryptographic applications in secure communication, digital signatures, authentication, and data protection. Considerations on cryptographic key management, security best practices, and emerging trends in cryptography. Whether you are a student learning about cryptography for the first time, a cyber- security professional seeking to enhance your skills, or an enthusiast curious about the inner workings of cryptographic algorithms, this book is designed to be your trusted companion on your journey through the fascinating realm of cryptography. We hope this book inspires curiosity, sparks intellectual exploration, and equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of cryptography.

Data Privacy and Security

Data Privacy and Security
Author: David Salomon
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 461
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 038721707X

Covering classical cryptography, modern cryptography, and steganography, this volume details how data can be kept secure and private. Each topic is presented and explained by describing various methods, techniques, and algorithms. Moreover, there are numerous helpful examples to reinforce the reader's understanding and expertise with these techniques and methodologies. Features & Benefits: * Incorporates both data encryption and data hiding * Supplies a wealth of exercises and solutions to help readers readily understand the material * Presents information in an accessible, nonmathematical style * Concentrates on specific methodologies that readers can choose from and pursue, for their data-security needs and goals * Describes new topics, such as the advanced encryption standard (Rijndael), quantum cryptography, and elliptic-curve cryptography. The book, with its accessible style, is an essential companion for all security practitioners and professionals who need to understand and effectively use both information hiding and encryption to protect digital data and communications. It is also suitable for self-study in the areas of programming, software engineering, and security.

Codes, Ciphers and Spies

Codes, Ciphers and Spies
Author: John F. Dooley
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2016-03-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319294156

When the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, it was woefully unprepared to wage a modern war. Whereas their European counterparts already had three years of experience in using code and cipher systems in the war, American cryptologists had to help in the building of a military intelligence unit from scratch. This book relates the personal experiences of one such character, providing a uniquely American perspective on the Great War. It is a story of spies, coded letters, plots to blow up ships and munitions plants, secret inks, arms smuggling, treason, and desperate battlefield messages. Yet it all begins with a college English professor and Chaucer scholar named John Mathews Manly. In 1927, John Manly wrote a series of articles on his service in the Code and Cipher Section (MI-8) of the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Division (MID) during World War I. Published here for the first time, enhanced with references and annotations for additional context, these articles form the basis of an exciting exploration of American military intelligence and counter-espionage in 1917-1918. Illustrating the thoughts of prisoners of war, draftees, German spies, and ordinary Americans with secrets to hide, the messages deciphered by Manly provide a fascinating insight into the state of mind of a nation at war.