Caesar Cipher and RSA Encryption

1. Project Title:
Cryptography: Implementation and Analysis of Caesar Cipher and RSA Encryption
2. Abstract:
The primary goal of this project is to demonstrate the concepts of cryptography by implementing two widely
studied encryption algorithms: Caesar Cipher and RSA Encryption. The project involves encoding and decoding
messages using both algorithms to explore their functionality and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Caesar Cipher is a simple substitution cipher, while RSA is an advanced asymmetric encryption algorithm based
on number theory, offering enhanced security. By implementing these algorithms in C++, this project aims to
provide a practical understanding of classical and modern encryption techniques.
Sure! Here are the problems in bullet points:

3. Problems:
 Security of Caesar Cipher:
o The Caesar Cipher is vulnerable to brute-force attacks since it has a limited number of
possible shifts (only 25 possibilities).
o The simplicity of the algorithm makes it insecure for real-world applications, as it can be
easily decrypted without knowing the key.
 Complexity of RSA Algorithm:
o The RSA algorithm requires efficient prime number generation and large number
calculations, which can be computationally expensive and time-consuming, especially with
large key sizes.
o Ensuring the security of the private key and preventing attacks such as factoring large
numbers is challenging.
 Performance and Efficiency:
o RSA encryption and decryption can be slow for large datasets due to the complexity of the
algorithm, making it less efficient for real-time applications unless optimizations are
applied.
o The time complexity of RSA is significantly higher compared to simpler algorithms like
Caesar Cipher, which may not be suitable for large-scale use cases without additional
measures.
 Implementation Challenges:
o Understanding and correctly implementing the key generation process for RSA can be
difficult, especially when working with large prime numbers.
o Handling mathematical operations efficiently and accurately, such as modular
exponentiation for RSA, requires careful consideration of computational resources.
4. Objectives:
 Implementation of Caesar Cipher: To understand and demonstrate the simplicity of symmetric
encryption through a classical algorithm.
  Implementation of RSA Encryption: To explore and implement an asymmetric encryption algorithm
that ensures higher security through the use of public and private keys.
 Security Comparison: To evaluate the security strengths and weaknesses of both encryption
methods.
 Performance Analysis: To compare the computational efficiency of both algorithms, with focus on
time complexity.
 Practical Application: To provide a working demo that encrypts and decrypts messages using both
algorithms.
5. Scope of Work:
The scope of this project includes:
 Implementing the Caesar Cipher algorithm where the plaintext is shifted by a constant key value.
 Implementing the RSA Encryption algorithm with key generation, encryption, and decryption
processes.
 Performing a comparison of the algorithms in terms of security, efficiency, and practical use cases.
 Creating a C++ program that allows users to input plaintext, select the encryption method, and view
the results.
 Documentation detailing the algorithms, their implementation, performance metrics, and
comparison.
6. Methodology:
 Caesar Cipher:
o A substitution cipher where each letter in the plaintext is replaced by a letter with a fixed
number of positions down or up the alphabet.
o The encryption and decryption process involves shifting the alphabet using a key (e.g.,
shifting 3 positions).
 RSA Encryption:
o Key Generation: Choose two large prime numbers and calculate the public and private keys.
o Encryption: Convert the plaintext message into numerical form, and then encrypt using the
public key.
o Decryption: The encrypted message is decrypted using the private key, recovering the
original message.
Both algorithms will be implemented using C++, ensuring the program is well-structured and the
encryption/decryption processes are efficiently handled.
7. Tools and Technologies:
 Programming Language: C++
 Development Environment: Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, or any other C++ IDE.
 Libraries: Standard C++ libraries for basic I/O and mathematical operations.
8. Expected Results:
 A functional C++ program that successfully implements both Caesar Cipher and RSA encryption
algorithms.
  A comparison report analyzing the encryption strength and efficiency of the two algorithms.
 A clear demonstration of how each algorithm works and where each is best applied.
9. Deliverables:
 C++ Code: Well-documented code for Caesar Cipher and RSA Encryption algorithms.
 Project Report: A comprehensive report detailing the implementation process, challenges, and
results.
 Presentation: A concise presentation that summarizes the project, including key points and findings.
 Working Demo: A simple user interface where users can input text and select encryption methods.
10. Challenges and Limitations:
 Complexity of RSA: The RSA algorithm requires careful handling of large numbers and prime number
generation. Implementing efficient key generation may require additional libraries for advanced
number theory.
 Security of Caesar Cipher: Caesar Cipher is easy to break with brute-force methods, making it
unsuitable for real-world use, but it’s valuable for understanding basic encryption concepts.
 Performance: RSA is computationally more expensive compared to Caesar Cipher, especially with
large keys, which may slow down encryption and decryption.
11. Conclusion:
This project will provide a comprehensive overview of cryptography through the practical implementation of
two key encryption algorithms—Caesar Cipher and RSA Encryption. It will help develop a deeper
understanding of encryption techniques, their applications, and limitations. Additionally, this project will
improve skills in C++ programming, algorithm design, and cryptography, all of which are essential for any
student pursuing computer science or cybersecurity.