Cryptographic attacks

Cryptographic attacks refer to various methods employed to compromise cryptographic algorithms and protocols, often with the aim of gaining unauthorized access to encrypted information, manipulating data, or undermining the integrity of cryptographic systems. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the cryptographic algorithms, implementation flaws, or protocol weaknesses.

Attacks on public-key cryptosystems refer to various methods and techniques employed by adversaries to undermine the security of cryptographic protocols that rely on public-key encryption. Public-key cryptosystems, such as RSA, DSA, and ECC, are used for secure communication, data integrity, authentication, and digital signatures.

A chosen-plaintext attack (CPA) is a type of cryptographic attack in which the attacker has the capability to choose arbitrary plaintexts to be encrypted and has access to their corresponding ciphertexts. This ability allows the attacker to gain information about the encryption algorithm and (potentially) the secret key used in the encryption process.

Cryptanalytic software refers to programs designed to analyze cryptographic systems and algorithms for the purpose of breaking encryption, validating security, or assessing the robustness of cryptographic protocols. The primary goal of cryptanalysis is to uncover weaknesses in cryptographic implementations or to recover plaintext from ciphertext without having access to the secret key.

Password cracking software is a type of tool used to recover passwords from data that has been stored in a hashed or encrypted format. These tools are often employed by security professionals for legitimate purposes, such as testing the strength of passwords in their own systems or recovering lost passwords. However, they can also be misused by hackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and accounts.

Side-channel attacks are techniques used to extract sensitive information from a system by analyzing the indirectly related data rather than exploiting direct vulnerabilities. These attacks often take advantage of the physical implementation of a system, rather than flaws in its algorithms or protocols. ### Types of Side-Channel Information: 1. **Timing Information**: Variations in the time taken to execute cryptographic algorithms based on the input data can reveal secrets.

The 3-subset meet-in-the-middle attack is a cryptographic technique used to solve certain problems, particularly in the context of breaking symmetric key algorithms or finding certain types of secret values in a more efficient manner than brute force methods. It is a variation of the general meet-in-the-middle attack, which exploits the structure of the problem to significantly reduce the computational effort required when searching through a key space or solving a problem with an exponential number of possibilities.

Acoustic cryptanalysis is a technique used to extract cryptographic keys from devices by analyzing the sounds they make during operations. This method capitalizes on the acoustic emissions that result from electronic device activities, such as key presses on a keyboard or the operations of a computer's processor. The basic premise of acoustic cryptanalysis is that when a device performs cryptographic operations, it may generate subtle sounds that can reveal information about the keys being used.

An Adaptive Chosen-Ciphertext Attack (CCA) is a type of cryptographic attack model where the attacker has the ability to choose ciphertexts and obtain their corresponding plaintexts, potentially multiple times, in a manner that adapts based on the information learned from previous queries. This is a more powerful attack model than a standard chosen-ciphertext attack, as it allows the attacker to refine their strategy based on the feedback received from the decryption of the chosen ciphertexts.

In cryptography, an "adversary" refers to an entity that attempts to compromise the security of a cryptographic system. This entity could be a malicious actor, such as an attacker or hacker, who aims to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, disrupt system operations, or exploit vulnerabilities in cryptographic protocols. Adversaries can vary in their capabilities, resources, and motivations.

Aircrack-ng is a suite of tools used for network security assessments, specifically designed for analyzing, cracking, and securing Wi-Fi networks. It focuses on various aspects of Wi-Fi security, including monitoring, attacking, testing, and cracking WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols. The suite consists of several components, each serving a specific purpose: 1. **Airmon-ng**: Used to enable monitor mode on wireless network interfaces, allowing them to capture packets from the air.

An attack model is a conceptual framework used to understand the various ways in which an adversary can compromise a system, application, or network. It defines the strategies, techniques, and methods that attackers might employ to achieve their objectives, such as unauthorized access to data, disruption of services, or exploitation of vulnerabilities. ### Key Components of an Attack Model 1. **Adversary Characteristics**: Understanding the motivations, capabilities, resources, and goals of potential attackers.

A biclique attack is a type of cryptographic attack used primarily against ciphers and hash functions that exploit the structure of their underlying mathematical functions. This attack utilizes the concept of a biclique—a subset of a bipartite graph—where the nodes within the two sets can have connections (or edges) between them. The attack takes advantage of this structure to reduce the complexity of finding keys or collisions in modern cryptographic algorithms.

A Birthday attack is a type of cryptographic attack that takes advantage of the mathematics behind the birthday problem in probability theory. It has implications for various cryptographic algorithms, particularly those that involve hash functions. ### How the Birthday Attack Works: 1. **Birthday Paradox**: The birthday problem refers to the counterintuitive probability that in a group of people, the chance that at least two people share a birthday is surprisingly high, even for a small group.

A bit-flipping attack is a type of attack in which an adversary manipulates the bits of a digital communication or a stored data object to alter its intended meaning or behavior. This kind of attack is particularly relevant in the context of cryptographic systems and network communications. The attacker may modify a specific bit or bits in a data packet or message to induce a desired outcome, often without needing to decrypt the information if the underlying protocol or system can be exploited.

Black-bag cryptanalysis is a method of cryptographic attack that involves covertly obtaining cryptographic keys or other secure information from a target system or device. This technique does not rely on analyzing the mathematical properties of cryptographic algorithms or protocols but instead focuses on physical access to the hardware or systems involved. The term "black-bag" typically refers to the idea of an illicit entry or espionage operation, where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a physical location to extract information.

A "black bag operation" refers to a covert operation in which individuals, typically spies or intelligence agents, break into a facility, home, or secure location to gather information, retrieve sensitive documents, or plant listening devices. This term often implies clandestine activities that are carried out without the permission or knowledge of the target.

A Boomerang attack is a cryptographic attack that targets the design of hash functions, particularly those that use the Merkle-Damgård construction. This type of attack is primarily aimed at finding collisions in hash functions—two different inputs that produce the same hash output. The Boomerang attack capitalizes on the properties of differential cryptanalysis. It works by exploiting the fact that certain differences in the input can produce predictable differences in the output.

A brute-force attack is a method used in cybersecurity to gain unauthorized access to a system, account, or encrypted data by systematically trying all possible combinations of passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is found. This technique relies on the computing power to generate and test numerous possibilities until the correct credential is discovered.

A chosen-ciphertext attack (CCA) is a type of cryptographic attack where an attacker is able to choose a ciphertext and obtain its corresponding decrypted plaintext. This capability allows the attacker to gather information about the decryption process and potentially exploit vulnerabilities in the encryption scheme. In a CCA, the attacker has access to a decryption oracle, which is a mechanism that can decrypt arbitrary ciphertexts.

A **ciphertext-only attack** is a type of cryptographic attack in which an attacker attempts to break a cipher and retrieve the original plaintext message by analyzing only the ciphertext—the encrypted message—without any access to the plaintext or the key used for encryption. In other words, the attacker only has the output of the encryption process and tries to deduce information about the input.

A collision attack is a type of cryptographic attack that targets hash functions. The goal of this attack is to find two distinct inputs that produce the same hash output, which is known as a "collision." Hash functions are designed to take in data and produce a fixed-size string of characters (the hash) that should be unique for unique inputs. In more detail: 1. **Hash Function**: A hash function processes input data and generates a fixed-length string of characters.

Contact analysis is a method used in various fields to study and evaluate the interactions between different entities, materials, or systems. The specific nature of the analysis can vary depending on the context, but it generally involves examining how contacts (or interactions) affect performance, behavior, or outcomes. Here are a few contexts in which contact analysis is relevant: 1. **Material Science and Engineering**: In this context, contact analysis often refers to the study of surface interactions between materials.

Coppersmith's attack is a cryptographic attack that was developed by Don Coppersmith in the 1990s. It specifically targets RSA cryptosystems and certain types of modular arithmetic problems. The key idea behind the attack is to exploit mathematical weaknesses in RSA when certain conditions are met, particularly when the private key \(d\) (or other parameters) is small in relation to the modulus \(n\).

A correlation attack is a type of statistical attack that is commonly used in cryptanalysis to exploit weaknesses in cryptographic algorithms, particularly those that involve block ciphers or stream ciphers. The fundamental idea behind a correlation attack is to take advantage of the statistical relationships between certain input and output variables. In simpler terms, the attacker looks for patterns in the encrypted data and attempts to correlate these patterns with the plaintext (the original unencrypted data) to recover secret keys or uncover sensitive information.

A cryptanalytic computer typically refers to a type of computer or system designed specifically to perform cryptanalysis, which is the study and practice of attempting to break cryptographic systems. This involves uncovering the secret keys or algorithms used to encrypt data, thus allowing access to the protected information without authorization. Key points about cryptanalytic computers: 1. **Purpose**: Their primary function is to analyze cryptographic systems in order to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, or potential exploits.

CryptoLocker is a type of ransomware that was first identified in September 2013. It targets Windows-based machines and is known for encrypting the files on infected systems, making them inaccessible to users until a ransom is paid to the attackers. Typically, it spreads through phishing emails containing infected attachments or links, as well as through compromised websites and malicious downloads. When CryptoLocker infects a computer, it encrypts files such as documents, photos, and other important data using strong encryption algorithms.

A cube attack is a cryptographic attack primarily used against symmetric key ciphers, specifically those that use block ciphers. It was introduced by researchers to exploit certain properties of the S-boxes (substitution boxes) used in cryptographic algorithms. ### Key Concepts of Cube Attack: 1. **Cube Polynomial Representations**: - Every function, including cryptographic functions, can be expressed as a polynomial over a finite field.

A custom hardware attack refers to a type of cyberattack that specifically targets vulnerabilities or weaknesses in hardware systems. These attacks often involve the use of custom-designed hardware or modifications to existing hardware to bypass security mechanisms, extract sensitive information, or otherwise compromise the system. Here are some key aspects of custom hardware attacks: 1. **Purpose**: The main goal of these attacks can range from stealing data (e.g.

The DROWN attack (Decrypting RSA with Obsolete and Weakened eNcryption) is a security vulnerability that affects servers supporting both the HTTPS protocol (using SSL/TLS) and the outdated SSLv2 protocol. Discovered in 2016, the DROWN attack takes advantage of weaknesses in the SSLv2 protocol to decrypt data intercepted from secure connections.

Davies’ attack refers to a cryptographic attack on certain types of public-key cryptosystems, particularly those based on the RSA algorithm. It is named after the cryptographer Donald Davies, who is known for his work in cryptography and secure communications. In a more specific context, Davies’ attack exploits certain properties of RSA when an attacker has access to multiple ciphertexts that have been encrypted with the same key but potentially different plaintexts.

A dictionary attack is a method used to break passwords or encryption by systematically entering every word in a predefined list, or "dictionary." This list typically contains common passwords, phrases, or words that people might use, making it an efficient approach for cracking weak passwords that are based on recognizable words. **How Dictionary Attacks Work:** 1.

A differential-linear attack is a cryptanalysis technique used to analyze block ciphers. It combines two different methods of cryptanalysis: differential cryptanalysis and linear cryptanalysis. ### Key Concepts: 1. **Differential Cryptanalysis**: This method focuses on how differences in input pairs can produce differences in the output pairs after passing through the encryption process. It involves studying how specific input differences propagate through the rounds of the cipher and how they affect the output difference.

Differential cryptanalysis is a method of cryptanalysis used to evaluate the security of cryptographic algorithms, particularly symmetric key ciphers. It focuses on how differences in plaintext inputs can affect the corresponding differences in the ciphertext outputs, helping to reveal information about the key used for encryption. The technique, introduced in the late 1980s by Eli Biham and Adi Shamir, is particularly effective against block ciphers.

A distinguishing attack is a type of cryptographic attack aimed at determining whether a given cryptographic algorithm or function is behaving like it should, or whether it is behaving differently (e.g., due to a weakness or flaw). The main goal of a distinguishing attack is to differentiate between the outputs of a cryptographic function (like a pseudorandom function or cipher) and the outputs of a truly random function.

Distributed.net is a volunteer-based computing project that harnesses the power of numerous distributed computers around the world to perform large-scale computations. It primarily focuses on cryptography and the computational challenges associated with it. Originally launched in 1997, Distributed.net gained significant attention for its efforts in cracking various encryption algorithms, including the RC5 encryption challenge.

A downgrade attack is a type of cyber attack that attempts to force a system or application to revert to an older version of a protocol, software, or security standard that is known to have vulnerabilities. This is often done to exploit weaknesses in the older version, allowing an attacker to bypass security measures that are present in the newer, more secure versions. ### How Downgrade Attacks Work: 1. **Interception**: The attacker may intercept communications between two parties (e.g.

Duqu is a type of malware that was discovered in 2011 and is associated with sophisticated cyber espionage activities. It is believed to be linked to the same group responsible for the Stuxnet worm, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. Duqu functions primarily as a framework for collecting information from infected systems. Its architecture allows it to communicate with its command and control servers to exfiltrate data.

ElcomSoft is a software company that specializes in digital forensics, password recovery, and data extraction tools. Founded in 1990, the company provides a range of solutions for law enforcement agencies, corporate security teams, and individual users. Their products are designed to help recover passwords, extract data from mobile devices, and analyze digital evidence.

FREAK, which stands for "Factoring RSA Export Keys," is a vulnerability that was discovered in certain implementations of SSL/TLS protocols. It was revealed in March 2015 and allowed attackers to exploit weak encryption that was used in some older systems, particularly those that employed export-grade cryptography. The vulnerability specifically targeted systems that accepted export-grade ciphers, which were designed to comply with U.S. regulations limiting the strength of encryption that could be exported overseas.

Flame, also known as Flamer, is a sophisticated piece of malware that was discovered in 2012. It is believed to be a cyber-espionage tool developed to conduct targeted attacks, primarily against organizations and infrastructure in the Middle East. Flame is notable for its complexity and the range of capabilities it possesses, which go beyond those of traditional malware.

The Fluhrer, Mantin, and Shamir (FMS) attack is a method used to exploit weaknesses in the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) protocol, which was designed to provide a level of security for wireless networks. The attack was first described in a research paper published in 2001 by Scott Fluhrer, Ittai Mantin, and Adi Shamir.

Frequency analysis is a technique used to study the frequency of occurrence of items in a dataset. It is widely applied in various fields, including statistics, linguistics, cryptography, and signal processing. Here are some key aspects of frequency analysis: 1. **In Statistics**: Frequency analysis involves counting how many times each value (or category) appears in a dataset. This can help in understanding the distribution of data, identifying patterns, or detecting anomalies.

Gardening, in the context of cryptanalysis, is a technique used to improve the efficiency of cryptographic attacks, particularly against block ciphers. It involves analyzing the internal state of a cryptographic algorithm, often during specific rounds of encryption or decryption, to derive key information or vulnerabilities.

A hardware backdoor is a secret method of bypassing normal authentication or security controls in a hardware device, allowing unauthorized access or control. Unlike software backdoors, which are often implemented through code changes, hardware backdoors are embedded in the physical components of a device, making them more challenging to detect and mitigate. **Key characteristics of hardware backdoors include:** 1.

A hardware keylogger is a type of logging device that records keystrokes on a computer or keyboard without the user's knowledge. Unlike software keyloggers, which are programs installed on a computer's operating system, hardware keyloggers are physical devices that are typically connected between a keyboard and a computer or are built into a keyboard itself. ### Key Features of Hardware Keyloggers: 1. **Physical Connection:** Hardware keyloggers are usually connected to the keyboard's USB or PS/2 port.

Higher-order differential cryptanalysis is a technique used to analyze the security of symmetric key ciphers, particularly block ciphers. It is an extension of traditional differential cryptanalysis that looks at the differences in the input and how they propagate through the rounds of encryption. ### Key Concepts 1. **Differential Cryptanalysis**: At its core, traditional differential cryptanalysis involves choosing pairs of plaintexts with specific differences, encrypting them, and studying the resulting differences in ciphertexts to find correlations.

Impossible differential cryptanalysis is a type of cryptanalysis that targets symmetric-key ciphers, particularly block ciphers. It exploits specific properties of the cipher’s structure and its round functions to find key candidates that lead to a contradiction in the expected behavior of the cipher.

The **Index of Coincidence (IC)** is a statistical measure used in cryptography and text analysis to assess the randomness of a text or a ciphertext. It quantifies how likely it is that two randomly selected letters from a string of text will be the same. This measure can help in cryptanalysis, particularly for identifying the type of simple substitution ciphers or for analyzing the properties of encrypted data.

Integral cryptanalysis is a method used to analyze symmetric key ciphers, particularly block ciphers, by exploiting the structure and properties of the cipher's transformation. It focuses on the relationships between the input and output of the cipher after a series of rounds, and it is particularly effective against ciphers that use certain types of permutations and substitutions. The technique was first introduced in the context of the analysis of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and other ciphers.

The Interlock protocol is a communication protocol designed to facilitate secure interactions between devices or systems in various applications. Its primary goal is to ensure that only authorized entities can access certain functionalities or data, thereby increasing the security of the communication. While specific implementations of the Interlock protocol can vary, some common features are: 1. **Authentication**: Verifying the identity of users or devices before allowing access to sensitive operations or information.

An interpolation attack is a type of cryptographic attack that targets certain types of cryptographic algorithms, particularly those that involve polynomial functions or interpolation techniques. In essence, the attack exploits the mathematical properties of polynomials, particularly when an attacker can sample or query a function at various points. Here’s how an interpolation attack generally works: 1. **Function Representation**: Many cryptographic schemes use polynomials to represent secret values.

John Herivel was a British mathematician and codebreaker, most notably known for his work during World War II. He is often recognized for his contributions to the field of cryptanalysis, particularly in breaking codes used by the Axis powers. One of his notable achievements was the development of the "Herivel Tip," which facilitated the decryption of German messages. After the war, Herivel continued his academic career, contributing to mathematics and the philosophy of science.

Kasiski examination is a method used in cryptanalysis to break classical ciphers, particularly polyalphabetic ciphers like the Vigenère cipher. It was developed by Friedrich Kasiski in the 19th century. The basic idea behind the Kasiski examination is to find repeated sequences of letters in the ciphertext and to analyze the distances between these repetitions.

A key-recovery attack is a type of cryptographic attack in which an adversary aims to recover a secret key used in a cryptographic algorithm. This type of attack can be applied to various encryption schemes, including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. The goal of the attack is to find the key without directly breaking the encryption, allowing the attacker to decrypt messages or forge signatures.

Keystroke logging, often referred to as keylogging, is the practice of recording the keystrokes made on a keyboard. This can be done both legally and illegally, depending on the context and the methods used. ### Key Aspects of Keystroke Logging: 1. **Purpose**: - **Malicious Intent**: In many cases, keyloggers are used by cybercriminals to capture sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages.

A **known-key distinguishing attack** is a type of cryptographic attack aimed at distinguishing between the output of a cryptographic function (such as a block cipher or a hash function) when a specific secret key is used. In this context, the attacker has access to some known plaintexts and corresponding ciphertexts (or hashes) that were encrypted (or hashed) using the same secret key.

A known-plaintext attack (KPA) is a type of cryptanalytic attack in which the attacker has access to both the plaintext (the original unencrypted message) and its corresponding ciphertext (the encrypted message). The goal of the attacker is to use this information to derive the key or to find vulnerabilities in the encryption algorithm. In a known-plaintext attack, the attacker can analyze how specific pieces of plaintext are transformed into ciphertext.

A length extension attack is a type of cryptographic attack that exploits certain properties of hash functions, particularly those that are based on the Merkle-Damgård construction, which many widely used hash functions (like MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256) follow. This attack allows an attacker to extend the hash of a message without needing to know the original message itself.

Linear cryptanalysis is a method of attacking symmetric key ciphers, particularly block ciphers, by exploiting linear approximations between plaintext, ciphertext, and key bits. It was introduced by Mitsuru Matsui in the early 1990s and is a type of chosen-plaintext attack. ### Key Concepts 1.

Locky is a type of ransomware that first emerged in 2016. It is designed to encrypt files on infected computers and demand a ransom payment, usually in Bitcoin, to restore access to the files. Locky typically spreads through malicious email attachments or links, often disguised as legitimate documents or invoices. Once executed, the ransomware encrypts a wide range of file types, including documents, images, and other important files, and appends a specific extension to the encrypted files.

As of my last knowledge update in October 2023, there is no widely recognized product, service, or concept known as "LogicLocker." It is possible that it could refer to a specific software tool, application, or concept that was introduced after that date, or it might be a term used in a niche context.

The Lucky Thirteen attack is a vulnerability found in the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, specifically affecting implementations of TLS that utilize certain block cipher modes of operation, particularly those related to the handling of padding. The attack was revealed in 2013 and exploits how the protocol manages the timing of when encrypted data is processed during a session.

MD5CRK is a term often associated with a specific tool or method used for cracking or breaking MD5 hashes. MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a widely used cryptographic hash function that produces a 128-bit hash value, typically expressed as a 32-character hexadecimal number. While MD5 was widely used in the past for creating checksums and storing passwords, it is now considered insecure due to vulnerabilities that allow for hash collisions and other forms of attacks.

A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a type of cyberattack where an attacker intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. The attacker secretly relays and possibly alters the communication between the two parties, who believe they are directly communicating with each other. This type of attack allows the hacker to eavesdrop on the conversation, collect sensitive information, or manipulate the data being transmitted.

The Meet-in-the-middle attack is a cryptographic attack that is particularly effective against certain types of symmetric encryption algorithms, especially those that rely on a block cipher structure with two keys. It can be used to reduce the complexity of brute-force attacks by exploiting the design of the algorithm. ### How It Works: 1. **Divide the Problem**: The attack works by dividing the encryption or decryption process into two halves.

Message forgery refers to the creation of a false or altered communication that appears to be genuine, with the intent to deceive the recipient. This can occur in various contexts, including emails, text messages, official documents, or any form of messaging where the content is manipulated to mislead someone.

Metasploit is a penetration testing framework that is widely used by security professionals and ethical hackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Developed by H.D. Moore in 2003 and now maintained by Rapid7, Metasploit provides a suite of tools and resources for security assessments.

Microsoft Office password protection is a security feature integrated into Microsoft Office applications (such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) that allows users to restrict access to their documents and files by requiring a password. This feature helps to ensure that only authorized users can view or edit the content of a file, making it useful for protecting sensitive information.

Military cryptanalytics refers to the practice of analyzing and deciphering encrypted information and communications used by military entities. It involves the application of mathematical techniques, cryptographic principles, and computational resources to break encryption algorithms and retrieve the original, plaintext information without prior knowledge of the encryption key. Key aspects of military cryptanalytics include: 1. **Intelligence Gathering**: Cryptanalytics is crucial for intercepting and interpreting enemy communications, which can provide valuable insights into their intentions, capabilities, and plans.

Mod n cryptanalysis refers to a set of techniques used to analyze and break cryptographic systems that involve modular arithmetic with respect to some modulus \( n \). Modular arithmetic is foundational in many cryptographic algorithms, particularly those based on number theory, such as RSA. In these systems, computations are performed in a finite field defined by a modulus \( n \).

A Padding Oracle Attack is a type of cryptographic attack that targets block ciphers that use padding schemes to accommodate plaintexts that are not a multiple of the block size. This type of attack exploits the way certain cryptographic systems handle incorrect padding, allowing an attacker to decrypt ciphertext without knowing the encryption key. ### How It Works 1. **Block Ciphers and Padding**: Block ciphers like AES or DES encrypt data in fixed-size blocks.

The Partial-matching meet-in-the-middle attack is a cryptanalysis technique primarily used to break certain encryption schemes by exploiting the properties of symmetric key algorithms. This strategy generally applies to block ciphers and is especially effective when the key length is moderate, typically when combined with a few known plaintexts or ciphertexts.

Partitioning cryptanalysis is a technique used in the analysis of cryptographic algorithms, particularly symmetric key ciphers. It involves dividing the problem of breaking the cipher into smaller, manageable parts or "partitions." This method allows cryptanalysts to focus on specific subsets of plaintext, ciphertext, or keys, making it easier to identify patterns, weaknesses, or relationships that can be exploited to recover the key or plaintext without having to brute force the entire keyspace.

A passive attack refers to a type of network security attack where the attacker monitors or intercepts data being transmitted over a network without altering or affecting the communication or data flow. Unlike active attacks, where an attacker tries to disrupt or manipulate data, passive attacks aim to gather information without being detected. Key characteristics of passive attacks include: 1. **Eavesdropping**: The attacker listens to or captures data packets as they travel across the network. This could involve using tools to sniff network traffic.

Password cracking is the process of attempting to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, account, or network by guessing or breaking the password that secures it. Attackers use various methods and tools to retrieve or infer passwords, often exploiting weak or common passwords, poor password storage practices, or security vulnerabilities. Here are some common techniques used in password cracking: 1. **Brute Force Attack**: This method involves systematically trying every possible combination of characters until the correct password is found.

The Piling-up Lemma is a concept from measure theory and probability, particularly in the context of convergence of sequences of random variables. This lemma can be particularly useful when dealing with infinite series of functions or random variables.

A **pre-play attack** generally refers to a tactic in cybersecurity or game theory contexts where an adversary seeks to manipulate or compromise a system before a game or transaction takes place. While the term may not be universally defined across all fields, it typically involves: 1. **Preparation Phase**: The attacker gathers information and identifies weaknesses in the system, participants, or the environment that could be exploited.

A preimage attack is a type of cryptographic attack that targets hash functions. In this context, a preimage attack aims to find an input that hashes to a specific output. To break it down further: 1. **Hash Functions**: These are algorithms that take an input (or "message") and produce a fixed-size string of bytes—typically a digest that appears random.

Pwdump is a tool used to extract password hashes from the Windows SAM (Security Account Manager) database. It can retrieve user account passwords in a format that can be processed by password cracking tools. Pwdump works by exploiting the way Windows stores password hashes and can be used for security auditing and penetration testing purposes. The tool typically outputs password hashes in different formats, such as LM (LAN Manager) and NTLM (New Technology LAN Manager) hashes, depending on the version and configuration of Windows.

The ROCA vulnerability, which stands for "Return of Coppersmith's Attack," is a security vulnerability that affects certain cryptographic key generation processes, particularly those using RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) keys generated with specific flawed algorithms. Discovered in 2017 by researchers from the Czech Technical University in Prague, ROCA specifically targets the key generation implementations found in cryptographic libraries and hardware that improperly generate RSA keys.

A rebound attack is a type of cryptographic attack that targets hash functions. Specifically, it exploits the properties of the compression function used in hash algorithms by employing a technique called the "rebound" or "backward" analysis. Here's a basic outline of how a rebound attack works: 1. **Hash Function Overview**: Hash functions are mathematical algorithms that take an input (or "message") and produce a fixed-size string of bytes, typically in a way that is difficult to reverse (i.

Regin is a sophisticated type of malware that has been attributed to advanced cyber espionage operations. First discovered in late 2014, it is designed to infiltrate and monitor target systems, primarily focusing on intelligence gathering rather than outright theft of data. Regin is modular in nature, allowing it to execute a variety of tasks, and it employs advanced techniques for stealth and persistence on infected machines.

A related-key attack is a type of cryptographic attack that exploits the relationships between different keys used in encryption. This kind of attack is particularly relevant in scenarios where an attacker has access to multiple ciphertexts that have been encrypted with different keys that have a known or structured relationship to one another.

A replay attack is a type of network attack where an unauthorized party intercepts and captures a valid data transmission (such as a login request or a financial transaction) and then retransmits that data to deceive the system into thinking that it is a legitimate request. The attacker aims to gain unauthorized access, repeat transactions, or otherwise exploit the communication for malicious purposes. ### Key Characteristics of Replay Attacks: 1. **Interception**: The attacker must first intercept the original data being transmitted over a network.

Riverbank Publications is a publishing company known for producing a variety of books, particularly in the areas of children's literature and educational resources. They focus on creating engaging materials that promote learning and literacy among young readers. The company often collaborates with authors and illustrators to develop content that is both entertaining and educational.

A rootkit is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to gain and maintain unauthorized access to a computer system while hiding its presence. The term "rootkit" combines "root," which refers to the administrative access level in Unix and Linux systems, and "kit," which refers to the collection of tools used to carry out the attacks. Rootkits can compromise a system by enabling an attacker to execute files, access or modify data, and manipulate system settings without being detected.

Rotational cryptanalysis is a specific type of cryptanalytic technique used to analyze and potentially break cryptographic algorithms, particularly block ciphers. The technique is based on the observation that certain operations within the cipher may have predictable behaviors when inputs are rotated or shifted in specific ways. In rotational cryptanalysis, the idea is often to manipulate the input to the cryptographic function by rotating its bits—this means rearranging the bits in a cyclic manner—and then observing how these changes affect the output.

Rubber-hose cryptanalysis is a term used to describe a method of obtaining secret information, particularly cryptographic keys or passwords, through coercion or torture. The name derives from the idea that someone might use a rubber hose to inflict pain or threaten physical harm in order to extract information from an individual. Unlike traditional cryptanalysis, which focuses on mathematical techniques to break cryptographic systems, rubber-hose cryptanalysis relies on human factors and the vulnerability of individuals to persuasion or force.

SciEngines GmbH is a technology company based in Germany that specializes in developing high-performance computing solutions, primarily focused on hardware and software for scientific and engineering applications. The company is known for its expertise in providing customized solutions for accelerating computation-intensive tasks, particularly in fields like computational fluid dynamics, molecular simulations, and data analysis. One of their notable products is a series of hardware accelerators designed to enhance the performance of simulations and complex calculations.

Self-service password reset (SSPR) is a feature that allows users to reset or recover their passwords without requiring direct assistance from IT support staff. This is particularly useful in organizational settings, where employees might forget their passwords or need to change them for security reasons. Key features of self-service password reset include: 1. **User Autonomy**: Users can manage their own password issues, reducing the need for help desk intervention and streamlining the process.

A side-channel attack is a type of security exploit that takes advantage of information gained from the physical implementation of a computer system rather than flaws in the implemented algorithms themselves. These attacks can exploit various physical phenomena such as timing information, power consumption, electromagnetic leaks, or even sounds produced by the hardware. Side-channel attacks can be categorized into several types: 1. **Timing Attacks**: These attacks analyze the time it takes a system to perform cryptographic operations.

The slide attack is a cryptographic attack primarily associated with certain block ciphers, notably those that are part of the family of the substitution-permutation networks (SPNs) and certain stream ciphers. It exploits weaknesses in the design or the structure of the encryption algorithm to recover plaintext, keys, or both.

The Small Subgroup Confinement Attack (SSCA) is a cryptographic attack targeting certain types of cryptographic protocols, particularly those based on elliptic curve cryptography and finite field operations. It exploits weaknesses in the implementation of cryptographic algorithms that allow the attacker to force the use of a smaller, weaker subgroup within a larger group. ### Concept In many cryptographic schemes, operations are performed over a finite group, like elliptic curves or multiplicative groups of integers modulo a prime number.

Steganalysis is the process of detecting and analyzing steganography—the practice of concealing information within other non-secret data, such as images, audio files, or text. While steganography aims to hide the existence of the secret information, steganalysis focuses on identifying whether steganography has been used and, if possible, extracting the embedded information.

Stream cipher attacks refer to various techniques and methods used by attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in stream ciphers, which are cryptographic algorithms designed to encrypt plaintext data by combining it with a stream of pseudo-random cipher digits (keys). Stream ciphers operate on data one bit or byte at a time, and they are widely used in applications where speed and efficiency are critical, such as in secure communications and real-time data transmission.

Stuxnet is a highly sophisticated computer worm that was discovered in June 2010. It is notable for being one of the first known cyber weapons designed to target industrial control systems, specifically those used in nuclear facilities. Stuxnet was reportedly developed by the United States and Israel as part of an operation aimed at slowing down Iran's nuclear program. The worm was designed to infect and sabotage Siemens software and equipment, which controlled the centrifuges used in uranium enrichment at Iran's Natanz facility.

A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that targets the weaker links in the supply chain of a business or organization. Rather than directly attacking the primary target (such as a company’s systems or networks), attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain, which includes everything from suppliers and service providers to software components and logistical partners. The objective is to compromise the systems that are interconnected through these supply chain relationships.

Tempest is a codename used by various companies and projects, but in the context of technology and gaming, it is most commonly associated with a few specific instances: 1. **Tempest Engine (PlayStation 5)**: In the gaming industry, Tempest refers to a technology introduced by Sony for the PlayStation 5 that allows for advanced 3D audio processing.

TeslaCrypt is a type of ransomware that specifically targets files associated with video games, including save game files and game-related documents. It emerged around 2015 and became known for its encryption techniques, which would lock users out of their files, demanding a ransom payment (typically in Bitcoin) for the decryption key. TeslaCrypt often spread through malicious email attachments, exploit kits, and compromised websites. Once it infected a system, it would encrypt specific file types related to gaming, such as .

The time/memory/data tradeoff attack is a cryptographic attack that exploits the trade-offs among time, memory, and data used in the process of breaking cryptographic algorithms, particularly symmetric key algorithms. ### Key Concepts: 1. **Time Complexity**: This refers to how long an algorithm takes to run, which generally increases with the size of the problem. In cryptographic attacks, it often indicates how fast an adversary can crack a key.