What is Cryptanalysis?
Cryptanalysis Definition: The study of techniques for attempting to defeat cryptographic techniques and, more generally, information security services provided through cryptography.
Understanding Cryptanalysis
The study of techniques for attempting to defeat cryptographic techniques and, more generally, information security services provided through cryptography. Cryptanalysis involves analyzing cryptographic systems to identify weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or methods to decrypt ciphertext without the proper key. Techniques include mathematical analysis, side-channel attacks, and exploiting implementation flaws. Understanding cryptanalysis is crucial for designing and evaluating secure cryptographic systems. Organizations use cryptanalysis principles when selecting and implementing cryptographic algorithms as recommended in standards like NIST SP 800-57. For example, before deploying a new encryption solution, an organization might review published cryptanalysis research and choose algorithms resistant to known attacks, with appropriate key lengths based on the latest cryptanalytic capabilities. Related terms: Cryptography, Encryption, Ciphertext, Side-channel attack, Key length, Brute force attack, Cryptographic strength.