On the Optimality of Linear, Differential and Sequential Distinguishers

Pascal Junod

Paper 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.

Metadata

Available format(s): PDF PS
Category: Secret-key cryptography
Publication info: Published elsewhere. This is the long version of the Eurocrypt'03 paper.
Keywords: Distinguishers Statistical Hypothesis Testing Linear Cryptanalysis Differential cryptanalysis
Contact author(s): pascal junod @ epfl ch
History: 2003-04-08: received
Short URL: https://ia.cr/2003/064
License: CC BY

BibTeX

@misc{cryptoeprint:2003/064,
      author = {Pascal Junod},
      title = {On the Optimality of Linear, Differential and Sequential Distinguishers},
      howpublished = {Cryptology ePrint Archive, Paper 2003/064},
      year = {2003},
      note = {\url{https://eprint.iacr.org/2003/064}},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2003/064}
}