Cryptology ePrint Archive: Report 2008/177

Algebraic Techniques in Differential Cryptanalysis

Martin Albrecht and Carlos Cid

Abstract: In this paper we propose a new cryptanalytic method against block ciphers, which combines both algebraic and statistical techniques. More specifically, we show how to use algebraic relations arising from differential characteristics to speed up and improve key-recovery differential attacks against block ciphers in some situations. To illustrate the new technique, we apply it to reduced round versions of the cipher PRESENT, an ultra lightweight block cipher proposed at CHES~2007, particularly suitable for deployment in RFID tags.

Category / Keywords: secret-key cryptography / cryptanalysis, block ciphers, algebraic attacks

Date: received 17 Apr 2008

Contact author: M R Albrecht at rhul ac uk

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Version: 20080421:093813 (All versions of this report)

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