Customizable Cryptographic Algorithm Mixing Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryptographic systems lack the ability to customize encryption algorithms in the field without degrading security, and customers desire proprietary algorithms that can be customized to meet specific military threat models and security autonomy requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cryptographic algorithm that allows for customization of the mixing layer, substitution layer, permutation layer, and addition layer using user-software interactions, with customizable S-boxes, irreducible polynomial equations, and random number algorithms, enabling field customization without compromising security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cryptographic algorithms are customized in the field to meet specific military threat models and security autonomy requirements, then adaptability and security autonomy are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic algorithm is divided into distinct layers (substitution layer, permutation layer, mixing layer, addition layer), each of which can be independently customized. This segmentation allows users to modify specific aspects of the algorithm without affecting the entire system, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables field customization by allowing users to modify parameters such as S-boxes, irreducible polynomial equations, and other algorithmic components through user-software interactions. This parameter-based customization approach allows flexible adaptation to different security requirements without requiring fundamental changes to the algorithm structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing layer is customized using user-software interactions and irreducible polynomial equations, then security autonomy and adaptability are improved, but processing time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Irreducible polynomial equations are pre-programmed into the device for possible use by the mixers of the mixing layer. By preparing these mathematical foundations in advance, the system enables rapid field customization without requiring complex computational operations during actual encryption/decryption processes, thus reducing processing time overhead.
3Reliability
If customizable S-boxes and irreducible polynomial equations are implemented, then cryptographic strength and security are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal framework where a single cryptographic algorithm structure can serve multiple security requirements through configurable components. The same mixing layer infrastructure supports various irreducible polynomial equations, and the substitution layer accommodates different S-box configurations, allowing one system to provide multiple security levels without requiring separate implementations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (100) and methods (700) for customizing a cryptographic algorithm. The methods comprise: providing an electronic device with the cryptographic algorithm implementing a permutation function f configured to produce a first keystream using bits input thereto, the permutation function f comprising a round function fround consisting of a mixing layer in which input bits are combined together; and customizing the mixing layer of the permutation function f while the electronic device is in the field. The mixing layer is customized by: receiving, by the electronic device, a first user-software interaction for entering a first bit string comprising a plurality of first arbitrary bits; breaking the first bit string into a plurality of equal length segments each comprising only a portion of the plurality of first bits; and translating each of the equal length segments into irreducible polynomial coefficients and/or an irreducible polynomial identifier.