Cryptanalysis

Cryptanalysis is the study of cryptosystems with an objective of improving, breaking or weakening the underlying mathematical cryptographic algorithms. Moreover, it blindly tries to decrypt ciphertexts without the possession and knowledge of the corresponding plaintext message, encryption key and/or the cryptographic algorithm employed to encrypt it. In addition to the cryptographic encryption techniques, cryptanalysis processes target secure hashing functions, digital signatures, and other cryptographic algorithms.

Cryptanalysis or code breaking is the study of principles and techniques of transforming a ciphertext back into a plaintext without the knowledge of the cryptographic algorithm or the secret key. Researchers may use the results of cryptanalysis to improve and strength or replace flawed cryptographic algorithms. Moreover, cybercriminals may use cryptanalysis technique to identify security vulnerabilities in cryptosystems and launch nefarious cyberattacks on businesses.

The most common types of cryptanalytic attacks include the following:

• Frequency or statistical analysis attacks
• Known plaintext attacks
• Known ciphertext attacks
• Chosen plaintext attacks
• Ciphertext only attacks
• Chosen key attacks
• Linear cryptanalysis
• Differential cryptanalysis
• Theft of cryptographic keys
• Dictionary attacks
• Covert channel attacks
• Man-in-the-middle attacks
• Implementation attacks
• Brute-force attacks