Cryptology ePrint Archive: Report 2005/459

A Practical Attack on the Root Problem in Braid Groups

Anja Groch and Dennis Hofheinz and Rainer Steinwandt

Abstract: Using a simple heuristic approach to the root problem in braid groups, we show that cryptographic parameters proposed in this context must be considered as insecure. In our experiments we can, often within seconds, extract the secret key of an authentication system based on the root problem in braid groups.

Category / Keywords: braid group, root problem, cryptanalysis

Date: received 16 Dec 2005

Contact author: Dennis Hofheinz at cwi nl

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Version: 20051231:145523 (All versions of this report)

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