Optimization of Asymmetric and Symmetric Algorithms

Dear Colleague,

Asymmetric and symmetric study on algorithm optimization refers to the analysis and comparison of different optimization techniques used for asymmetric and symmetric algorithms.

1. Asymmetric Algorithms:

Asymmetric algorithms, also known as public-key algorithms, use two different keys—a public key and a private key. These algorithms are widely used for encryption and decryption purposes, digital signatures, and key exchange. Asymmetric algorithms are slower compared to symmetric algorithms due to the complex mathematical operations involved.

Optimization techniques for asymmetric algorithms focus on reducing the computational overhead and improving performance. Some common optimization techniques include the following:

• Efficient implementation of modular exponentiation operations using algorithms like square-and-multiply, Montgomery multiplication, and sliding window;
• Utilizing hardware acceleration or specialized hardware (such as cryptographic coprocessors) for modular arithmetic operations;
• Implementing efficient key generation and management processes to reduce the complexity and time overhead;
• Employing precomputation techniques to save computational time for frequently used operations.

The study of asymmetric algorithm optimization involves analyzing the impact of these techniques on the overall performance, security, and efficiency of the algorithm.

2. Symmetric Algorithms:

Symmetric algorithms use a single shared key for both encryption and decryption processes. These algorithms are generally faster compared to asymmetric algorithms as they involve simpler mathematical operations. Symmetric algorithms are widely used in scenarios where speed and efficiency are crucial, such as data encryption in real-time communication or large-scale data processing.

Optimization techniques for symmetric algorithms aim to further enhance their performance and efficiency. Some common optimization techniques include the following:

• Implementing parallel processing techniques to take advantage of modern multi-core processors and GPUs;
• Optimizing memory usage by employing efficient data structures and algorithms, such as hashing, indexing, or compression techniques;
• Utilizing lookup tables or pre-calculated values for frequently used operations to reduce computational overhead;
• Employing hardware acceleration techniques, such as AES-NI instructions, to offload cryptographic operations to specialized hardware.

The study of symmetric algorithm optimization involves analyzing the impact of these techniques on the algorithm's speed, security, memory usage, and resource utilization.

Overall, the study of asymmetric and symmetric algorithm optimization involves exploring different techniques and trade-offs to improve the performance, efficiency, and security of both types of algorithms.

Prof. Dr. Simone Fiori
Dr. Di Wang
Dr. Shuo Zhuang
Guest Editors

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• cryptography
• encryption
• decryption
• asymmetric algorithms
• symmetric algorithms
• key generation
• key management
• public key cryptography
• private key cryptography
• digital signatures
• hash functions
• block ciphers