An enhancement of four-square with zigzag transformation encryption algorithm based on 3d rubik’s cube principle
Department of Computer Science, College of Information Systems and Technology Management, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Manila, Philippines.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(01), 1339–1359
Publication history:
Received on 02 March 2024; revised on 17 April 2024; accepted on 20 April 2024
Abstract:
The existing Four-Square cipher, specifically the Four-Square with Zigzag transformation encryption algorithm, serves as the foundation of this study, aiming to solve its cryptographic limitations. The existing algorithm cannot encrypt messages with numbers and special characters, the keys can be easily cracked, and when the process is repeated more than 26 times, the encrypted digraph is the same as the first encrypted digraph. This study aims to enhance the existing algorithm by transforming the 5x5 matrix, enhancing the encryption-decryption key, and improving the Zigzag transformation. The methodology employed involves utilizing a 6x6x6 cube to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Random encryption-decryption keys are generated using the Cryptographically Secure Pseudorandom Number Generator (CSPRNG), Fibonacci sequence, Tribonacci sequence, and Linear Feedback Shift Register. Zigzag transformation is improved by employing Rubik's cube principle, CSPRNG, Fibonacci sequence, and Tribonacci sequence to randomize the cube rotation. Various tests were conducted to evaluate the enhanced algorithm. The matrix comparison test demonstrated a significant expansion in the character set, allowing the utilization of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The comparison of encrypted and decrypted text highlighted the enhanced algorithm's ability to revert ciphertext into the original plaintext, surpassing the limitations of the existing algorithm. Statistical randomness tests, including the Frequency (Monobit) and Runs tests, provided robust evidence of the randomness of the algorithm, meeting the threshold for secure encryption. The average avalanche effect of the enhanced algorithm is 52.78%, surpassing the minimum avalanche effect of a secure cryptographic algorithm.
Keywords:
Four-square; Cryptography; Encryption; Zigzag transformation; Key
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0