Cryptology ePrint Archive: Report 2003/064

On the Optimality of Linear, Differential and Sequential Distinguishers

Pascal Junod

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the statistical decision processes behind a linear and a differential cryptanalysis. By applying techniques and concepts of statistical hypothesis testing, we describe precisely the shape of optimal linear and differential distinguishers and we improve known results of Vaudenay concerning their asymptotic behaviour. Furthermore, we formalize the concept of ``sequential distinguisher'' and we illustrate potential applications of such tools in various statistical attacks.

Category / Keywords: secret-key cryptography / Distinguishers, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Linear Cryptanalysis, Differential cryptanalysis

Publication Info: This is the long version of the Eurocrypt'03 paper.

Date: received 8 Apr 2003

Contact author: pascal junod at epfl ch

Available format(s): Postscript (PS) | Compressed Postscript (PS.GZ) | PDF | BibTeX Citation

Version: 20030408:234722 (All versions of this report)

Short URL: ia.cr/2003/064