|
CipherSaber is a symmetric encryption system based on RC4 that is strong, yet simple enough that novice programmers can implement it from scratch. In CipherSaber each message begins with a random ten byte initialization vector (IV). This IV is appended to the CipherSaber key to form the input to the RC4 key setup algorithm. The IV is needed because RC4 is a stream cipher.
Related key attacks on RC4 have rendered the original CipherSaber system vulnerable if a large number (>1000) messages are sent with the same CipherSaber key. CipherSaber-2 overcomes this difficulty by repeating the RC4 key setup loop multiple times (20 is recommended).
Purpose
The CipherSaber movement was started to keep strong cryptography in the hands of the public. Especially following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has been pushing restrictions on cryptography in order to facilitate the prevention of future attacks. By publicizing details on a secure, easy-to-program encryption algorithm, those behind CipherSaber hope to keep encryption technology accessible to everyone.
External links
|
