Hybrid Data Encryption Using Block and Transposition Ciphers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encryption mechanisms are vulnerable to new weaknesses as technology advances, necessitating the development of more secure data encryption techniques that combine block ciphers and double irregular columnar transposition ciphers to maintain the security of sensitive information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that employs a first block cipher to encrypt data, followed by a double irregular columnar transposition cipher, and then a second block cipher, where the second block cipher can use an inverse function to the first block cipher, ensuring the third cipher output has an alphabet matching the original data, thereby enhancing security by scrambling data across blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single block cipher is used to encrypt data, then the encryption process is simple and fast, but the security is vulnerable to emerging weaknesses as technology advances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption securityVSAvoidcryptosystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple encryption techniques (block cipher and double irregular columnar transposition cipher) into a hybrid cryptosystem. The block cipher processes data in fixed-size blocks with substitution and permutation operations, while the irregular columnar transposition cipher rearranges characters based on keyword-generated patterns. This merging of different cryptographic approaches creates a multi-layered security mechanism that addresses vulnerabilities in single-algorithm systems while maintaining operational feasibility through structured integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid cryptosystem functions as a composite cryptographic material, combining the mathematical strength of block ciphers (based on complex substitution boxes and key schedules) with the structural complexity of irregular columnar transposition (based on keyword-driven column arrangements). This composite approach creates a cryptographic system with properties superior to its individual components, particularly in resistance to various cryptographic attacks while preserving the essential functions of encryption and decryption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If data is scrambled across blocks using hybrid encryption, then security against emerging vulnerabilities is enhanced, but the encryption and decryption processes become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against vulnerabilitiesVSAvoidencryption process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid cryptosystem divides the encryption process into distinct sequential stages: first the block cipher processes data in fixed-size blocks through substitution and permutation, then the irregular columnar transposition cipher operates on the resulting ciphertext by rearranging characters according to keyword-generated patterns. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function independently, making the overall complex process manageable through clear separation of operations while achieving enhanced security through the combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary organization of data into fixed-size blocks before applying the block cipher transformation. Additionally, the irregular columnar transposition uses pre-defined keyword patterns to determine column arrangements in advance. These preliminary actions structure the data and transformation rules beforehand, reducing the operational complexity during actual encryption and decryption while ensuring consistent application of the hybrid cryptographic method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7925009B2Hybrid data encryption
Publication Date: 2011.04.12 RED HAT INC
  • US7925009B2 patent drawing
  • US7925009B2 patent drawing
  • US7925009B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for encrypting and decrypting data. A first block cipher encrypts data to generate a first cipher output. A first double irregular columnar transposition cipher encrypts the first cipher output to generate a second cipher output. A second block cipher encrypts the second cipher output to generate a third cipher output.