Modular Analysis and Design of Hash Functions and Block Ciphers.

The aim of this project is to build a solid theoretical framework for the formal security definitions of hash functions and block ciphers. The hash function framework will encompass security definitions for keyless and keyed (fixed and per messages) hash functions. Block cipher models will be studied with respect to specific key exploits, such as related-, known- and chosen-key attacks. The frameworks will be used to evaluate concrete hash function and block cipher structures. Reductionist security proofs will be the main tools of our analysis. The final objective is to provide generalizations of the functional security characteristics required from the underlying building blocks to attain a target security level from the investigated higher level hash function and block cipher structure.

Keywords:Block ciphers, Hash functions, Symmetric cryptography, Provable security, Indifferentiability

Disciplines:Multimedia processing, Biological system engineering, Signal processing