Evaluating the Security of Cryptographic Systems

Abstract

In this study, a method is proposed in order to evaluate the security of a cryptographic system, which besides of its cryptographic algorithm which is embedded into the system, includes other critical individual units and security mechanisms. If some of these security mechanisms are inadequate, they may reduce the initial security of the system which is provided by the strength of its cryptographic algorithm. The evaluation method combines the strength of the system’s cryptographic algorithm with the strength of all the other security mechanisms and gives a final assessment for the security grade of the whole system. At the end of the study the necessary conditions are presented, for the validity and the duration of the evaluation, taking into account the expected evolution of technology. Keywords: Cryptography, Data encryption, Communication security, Computer security, Data security, Information security.