AN IMPROVED SYMMETRIC CIPHER ENCRYPTION FOR SECURING DATA
PETER NIMBE *
Department of Computer Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
J. B. HAYFRON-ACQUAH
Department of Computer Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
BENJAMIN A. WEYORI
Department of Computer Science and Informatics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative algorithm for a symmetric cipher named, “NC1” that employs positive integers as private key-spaces of varying lengths to encrypt and decrypt data or information. “NC1” elegantly employs the Binomial Theorem, Pascal Triangle, Modular and Basic Arithmetic and some concepts of the Substitution ciphers. Depending on observations of the results of implementation of the proposed symmetric cipher on a set of real data of several types, all results are registered and analyzed. Some of the existing or traditional ways of protecting networks with ciphers or cryptosystems are no longer effective and could be easily broken [1]. This symmetric cipher is quite non-susceptible to cryptanalysis intrusions considering its large key-space and the strength of the underlying cipher. Evaluation of key mechanisms, concepts and principles in this cipher is highlighted and its implementation and applicability shown to demonstrate its importance.
Keywords: Cryptography, cipher, symmetric cipher, asymmetric cipher, monoalphabetic cipher, polyalphabetic cipher, multiple letter cipher, caesar cipher, hill cipher, playfair cipher, blowfish cipher, rijndael cipher