A symmetric key encryption algorithm called __________ divides message...
Blowfish
Blowfish is a symmetric key encryption algorithm that was designed by Bruce Schneier in 1993 as an alternative to existing encryption algorithms such as DES (Data Encryption Standard). It is known for its simplicity, speed, and security. Blowfish is a block cipher, which means it divides messages into blocks of a fixed size and then individually encrypts each block.
64-bit Blocks
Blowfish divides messages into blocks of 64 bits. This means that each block of plaintext or ciphertext consists of 64 bits of data. The use of 64-bit blocks allows Blowfish to handle large amounts of data efficiently.
Individual Block Encryption
After dividing the message into 64-bit blocks, Blowfish individually encrypts each block. This is done using a series of iterations called rounds. During each round, the algorithm performs a series of operations on the block, including bitwise XOR, substitution, and permutation. These operations are designed to scramble the data and make it resistant to cryptanalysis.
Symmetric Key Encryption
Blowfish is a symmetric key encryption algorithm, which means the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. The key is typically a fixed length, such as 128 or 256 bits. Both the sender and the receiver need to have the same key in order to encrypt and decrypt messages.
Advantages of Blowfish
- Speed: Blowfish is known for its fast encryption and decryption speeds, making it suitable for applications that require high performance.
- Security: Blowfish has a large key size, making it resistant to brute-force attacks. It is also designed to be secure against other types of attacks, such as differential and linear cryptanalysis.
- Flexibility: Blowfish supports key sizes ranging from 32 bits to 448 bits, allowing users to choose the level of security they require.
Conclusion
Blowfish is a symmetric key encryption algorithm that divides messages into blocks of 64 bits and then individually encrypts each block. It offers a balance between speed and security, making it a popular choice for various applications.