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
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