Algorithm Uses and Properties

• Algorithms reversibly converting data (plaintext) into unintelligible form (ciphertext).
  • E(P) = C, and then D(C) = P
  • Only knowledge of "secret" allows recovery.
  • Kerckhoffs's doctrine (19th century): not based on the secrecy of the algorithm.
  • E(P, EK) = C, and then D(C, DK) = P
• Building blocks for services/protocols that provide other assurances such as
  • confidentiality
  • integrity
  • authentication
  • non-repudiation

• PreviousCryptology
• Contents
• NextAlgorithm Types

 Last change: Thursday, April 7, 2005 3:31 pm
 Unless otherwise expressly stated, all original material on this page created by Diomidis Spinellis is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Greece License.