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How Do Encryption Algorithms Work?

Encryption algorithms are mathematical formulas that transform plaintext into ciphertext. Plaintext is what the message looks like unaltered, but ciphertext scrambles the message to a point where its unreadableunless you have the right authorization to decrypt the code back into plaintext. Put simply, algorithms make encrypting and decrypting code possible, specifically between the correct users. These algorithms are written into software for computer systems and networks.

Before dissecting the different types of algorithms, lets review the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

When a message or file is encrypted, it can only be unscrambled and read if the receiver of the message has the correct password or code. Codes used to encrypt or decrypt are often referred to as keys, and without the proper cryptographic key, a recipient has no way of accessing an encrypted file.

With symmetric encryption, there is only one key that is used by both the owner and the recipient. Symmetric encryption uses either stream ciphers (encrypting bits of data one at a time) or block ciphers (encrypting a certain number of bits and grouping them into a single unit).

Think of it as sending someone a package thats locked. No one can open the package without the key, including hackers, but you also have to find a secure way to send or share the key. In the case of computers, both computers would need to have the key to open certain files.

One advantage of this type of encryption is how efficiently large amounts of data can be sent. Only having one key doesnt require as much mathematical computing. Symmetric encryption is also extremely secure if you have a trusted algorithm.

The issue with symmetric encryption is sharing the key with others without compromising security. If, for example, the owner of an encrypted file sends the key over email, a hacker can hack into their email and use the key to access shared information, defeating the purpose of encrypting something to begin with. The key is often shared in person to mitigate such risk, but this isnt always a realistic option for the extent of the internet. This issue calls for a key hierarchy or a way to manage the keys being used in huge bouts of data.

Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, involves two keys. The key that encrypts a message or file is public, meaning it can be exchanged with anyone. However, the second key is private and is the only key that can decrypt the message or file.

Think of asymmetric encryption like a deposit box. Anyone can leave a letter, but only the owner of the private key can open the box to access the private information. This is most commonly used to exchange information and data on the internet.

The most obvious advantage of public-key encryption is its security and convenience. Instead of having a secret code that only two specific sources know, data can be safely exchanged with more people online. Asymmetric encryption also uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which protects communications between the server and the client using digital certificates, which make it easier to verify that the recipient is coming from the correct sender.

The downside to asymmetric encryption is that the keys only go one direction, meaning a correspondence would require both parties to have their own set keys, one public and one private. In other words, every recipient needing to decrypt a message needs their own deposit box with a private key. Unlike symmetric encryption, the asymmetric encryption method is also more mathematically complex, which can slow down processing time.

With data being exchanged constantly online, both symmetric and asymmetric encryption is used today to verify, authenticate, and protect users. Depending on the level of security necessary, who needs access to data, the type of requests being made, etc., different encryption algorithms are better for certain scenarios. Some are more advanced than others, but the following systems are the most common and secure types of encryption.

One of the first main algorithms used was the Data Encryption Standard (DES), a type of symmetric encryption. It was the standard for electronic communications, but, though DES provided a solid foundation for encryption, it could be hacked in a matter of hours and couldnt keep up with modern computing.

Triple-DES was much more secure because it overcame the small keyspace of DES, and it eventually became the standard symmetric encryption algorithm for a time, specifically in the 1990s. It weaved its way into cryptographic protocols, too, such as SSH and TLS. Triple-DES (or 3DES) uses the cipher of DES three times over to encrypt data, which allows for multiple key lengths despite only using 56-bit keys.

Features

Triple-DES is one of the most efficient algorithms to implement. In its prime, 3DES changed security and helped resolve some of the biggest security leaks of DES. It still works for some hardware security encryptions.

In the face of more secure encryption algorithms, Triple-DES is becoming more and more obsolete. Though it can compute more than DES, 3DES can only work with 64-bit blocks, which doesnt keep up with most modern organizations. Most big companies and organizations use different symmetric encryption methods.

During the peak of Triple-DES use, big names like Microsoft and Firefox used Triple-DES for data security. Financial, payment, and other private services still use Triple-DES, though its unlikely they will continue using it.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a type of symmetric encryption that is considered both the most unbreakable algorithm and the global standard of security. AES dethroned Triple-DES due to its higher computing capabilities and advanced security.

Features

There are no guarantees in the cyberworld, but to date, AES has yet to be cracked as far as anyone knows. With the ability to use a 256-bit key length, its one of the most secure forms of encryption. In fact, it would take billions of years to crack even a 128-bit encryption.

Even though its more powerful than both DES and Triple-DES, it is a bit harder to implement. Its also slower due to the key size, which can sometimes hinder communication.

The U.S. government uses this algorithm to keep all sorts of information private and secure. From government computers to cybersecurity, AES is an essential tool for keeping data classified. AES is truthfully used everywhere: solid-state drives (SSDs), WiFi in local area networks, cloud storage, internet browsers, and more.

Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) is a public-key encryption algorithm and is the primary way data is securely sent over the internet. As an asymmetric encryption method, RSA uses two keys, one for public encryption and one for private decryption. A defining element of RSA is how the algorithm is used: by factoring prime numbers.

Features

This is the best system for communicating with others online, especially when exchanging potentially sensitive information. Its especially used to verify digital signatures. Its easy to implement and sharing public keys to online users is relatively easy.

Because RSA is an asymmetric algorithm, its notably slower in comparison to symmetric encryption. It also requires more power compared to single-key encryption. Plus, though its great for security, if the private key is lost, the data cannot be decrypted.

RSA is used all over online, including web browsers, VPNs, emails, chats, and other communication servers.

Venafi is the leader of machine identity management and works behind the scenes to secure some of the largest networks in the world. Our technology protects cryptographic keys and digital certificates so that your business can safely succeed.

The machines used to communicate, streamline and process data are immensely helpful, but also at immense risk. Leaving machine communications unprotected leaves confidential and classified information unprotected, too. Thats why you need to efficiently manage the identities of all machines, which is why Venafi exists.

Want to learn more about how you can reduce risk at your organization? Download the Machine Identity Management for dummies Guide.

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Types of Encryption Algorithms - Security Boulevard