Scribd
Upload
21 views4 pages

Chapter 2 3 - Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption

The document analyzes key distribution and computational complexity in cryptographic algorithms, focusing on symmetric, asymmetric, and hybrid methods. It discusses the challenges and solutions for key distribution, the complexity of encryption and decryption processes, and the implications of quantum computing on cryptography. Additionally, it highlights the need for post-quantum algorithms to ensure future security against advancing quantum technologies.

Uploaded by

Squall Lionheart
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views4 pages

Chapter 2 3 - Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption

The document analyzes key distribution and computational complexity in cryptographic algorithms, focusing on symmetric, asymmetric, and hybrid methods. It discusses the challenges and solutions for key distribution, the complexity of encryption and decryption processes, and the implications of quantum computing on cryptography. Additionally, it highlights the need for post-quantum algorithms to ensure future security against advancing quantum technologies.

Uploaded by

Squall Lionheart
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Analyzing Key Distribution and Computational Complexity in Cryptographic Algorithms

Cryptographic security depends on key distribution (how keys are shared securely) and computational
complexity (how hard it is to break encryption). Let's analyze these aspects for symmetric, asymmetric,
and hybrid cryptographic algorithms.

1. Key Distribution in Cryptography

A. Symmetric Key Distribution (Single Key)

Problem: Both parties need the same secret key, but securely sharing it over a network is risky.
Solutions:
Pre-Shared Keys (PSK): Manually shared before communication (used in Wi-Fi WPA2).
Key Distribution Centers (KDCs): A trusted third party shares keys (used in Kerberos).
Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange: Securely establishes a shared key over an insecure channel.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Uses quantum mechanics to share keys securely.

Example:

• TLS (HTTPS) – Uses RSA or Diffie-Hellman to securely exchange an AES key.

Weakness: If an attacker intercepts the symmetric key, they can decrypt all future messages.

B. Asymmetric Key Distribution (Public/Private Key)

Advantage: No need to share a private key; only the public key is distributed.
Problem: Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks can replace the real public key with a fake one.
Solutions:
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Digital certificates verify public keys (used in HTTPS, SSL/TLS).
Certificate Authorities (CAs): Trusted third parties sign and authenticate public keys.
Web of Trust (WoT): Used in PGP, users sign each other’s public keys.

Example:

• Email Encryption (PGP/GPG) – Uses PKI to verify public keys before encrypting messages.

Weakness: Public keys must be authenticated to prevent impersonation attacks.

C. Hybrid Key Distribution (Combination of Both)

Uses asymmetric cryptography to securely exchange a symmetric session key.


This combines the speed of symmetric encryption with the security of asymmetric encryption.
Example:
TLS (Transport Layer Security) → Uses RSA or Diffie-Hellman to share AES keys.
Signal App → Uses X3DH (Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman) for secure key exchange.

Why It’s Used:

• Asymmetric encryption is slow but secure.

• Symmetric encryption is fast but requires a secure key exchange.

• Hybrid cryptography balances security and performance.

2. Computational Complexity Analysis

A. Symmetric Cryptography Complexity

Encryption & Decryption Complexity: O(1) constant time (depends on block size).
Brute-Force Attack Complexity: O(2ⁿ), where n = key size.
Example Complexity Analysis:

Algorithm Key Size Brute-Force Attempts (Worst Case) Time Complexity

DES 56-bit 2⁵⁶ (~7.2 × 10¹⁶) Feasible (broken)

AES-128 128-bit 2¹²⁸ Infeasible

AES-256 256-bit 2²⁵⁶ Quantum-safe

Why DES Is Broken:

• Modern computers can break DES in hours using brute force.

• AES-256 remains unbreakable with current technology.

B. Asymmetric Cryptography Complexity

Encryption Complexity: O(n³) (depends on key size).


Decryption Complexity: O(n³) or more (more expensive than encryption).
Breaking Complexity: Depends on the algorithm.

Algorithm Key Size Attack Type Time Complexity

RSA-1024 1024-bit Factoring large primes Sub-exponential (L(1/3))

RSA-2048 2048-bit Factoring attack Infeasible today

ECC-256 256-bit Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm O(2⁶⁴) (equivalent to RSA-3072)


Why RSA Needs Large Keys:

• RSA-1024 is weak against modern computing power.

• RSA-2048 is safe for now, but quantum computers will break it.

• ECC provides equivalent security with smaller key sizes than RSA.

Quantum Threat:

• Shor’s Algorithm (Quantum Computing) can break RSA and ECC in polynomial time (O(n³)).

• AES remains safe against quantum attacks (Grover’s Algorithm only reduces security by half).

C. Hybrid Cryptography Complexity

Uses asymmetry for key exchange (O(n³)) and symmetry for data encryption (O(1)).
TLS Example Complexity:

Stage Algorithm Used Complexity

Handshake RSA/ECC (Key Exchange) O(n³)

Session Encryption AES (Symmetric) O(1)

Hashing SHA-256 (Integrity) O(n)

Why Hybrid Works:

• Asymmetric encryption is slow, but only used during key exchange.

• Symmetric encryption is fast, used for bulk data transfer.

3. Summary: Security vs. Performance Trade-Off

Feature Symmetric (AES) Asymmetric (RSA/ECC) Hybrid (TLS)

Key Distribution Difficult Easier (public key) Secure (combines both)

Computational
O(1) (Fast) O(n³) (Slow) Mixed (O(n³) + O(1))
Complexity

Brute Force Very High (AES-256:


Lower (RSA-1024 is weak) Very High
Resistance 2²⁵⁶)

Partial (Depends on key


Quantum Resistance Yes (AES-256) No (RSA, ECC)
exchange method)
Feature Symmetric (AES) Asymmetric (RSA/ECC) Hybrid (TLS)

Bulk encryption (VPNs, Secure key exchange,


Use Cases Web security (HTTPS, VPNs)
databases) digital signatures

4. Future of Cryptography: Post-Quantum Algorithms

With quantum computing advancing, asymmetric cryptography like RSA and ECC will be broken. Future-
proof alternatives include:
Lattice-Based Cryptography (NTRU, Kyber) – Resistant to quantum attacks.
Hash-Based Signatures (SPHINCS+) – Secure post-quantum digital signatures.
Code-Based Cryptography (McEliece) – Extremely secure but large keys.

NIST is currently standardizing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for future security.

You might also like