Thursday, August 5, 2010

Cryptography and Encryption - CryptoForge

Cryptography and Encryption - CryptoForge

This page is so cool. All encryption algorithms in one piece. Now think about, data security madness!

Factors to consider in creating algorithms

Factors to consider in creating algorithms

Encryption and Authentication are two things that are essential for Information Security. Any security mechanism is based upon a certain algorithm. However, some of these algorithms are vulnerable to certain attacks and can be broken easily by knowledgeable crackers. Fortunately, with the aid of newer technologies and a strong logical sense, one can devise a new algorithm that can withstand security attacks and provide a more secure alternative.

Nature of Data. In creating algorithms, one should first consider what kind of data are you protecting, if it is just securing a small and less private data, some of the existing algorithms can be used, but if you are protecting a bigger, more sensitive and confidential data, newer and proof-based algorithms must be used.

Key. This helps a person or computer figure out the one possibility on a given algorithm. The type of key to be used is also essential in generating algorithms. One must consider the key size - it pertains to the length of the key to be used. A larger key size means better security but at a cost of reduced performance. A smaller key, on the other hand is easier to figure out.  One must also consider the variability of the key. Is the key a mixture of characters or symbols?, or a combination of both? The variability refers also if the key was all through out the same or randomly generated.

Category of encryption system. There are two types of encryption systems, one is Symmetric-key, and the other is Asymmetric-key or Public key. Symmetric algorithms encrypt and decrypt with the same key. Main advantages of symmetric algorithms are its security and high speed. Asymmetric algorithms encrypt and decrypt with different keys. Data is encrypted with a public key, and decrypted with a private key. Asymmetric algorithms (also known as public-key algorithms) need at least a 3,000-bit key to achieve the same level of security of a 128-bit symmetric algorithm. Asymmetric algorithms are incredibly slow and it is impractical to use them to encrypt large amounts of data. However, symmetric algorithms are about 1,000 times faster than asymmetric ones1.

Speed. Finally, speed here refers to the length of time in encrypting data. The strength of encryption however, is indirectly proportional to speed, and speed is necessary in data transmission. Stronger algorithms are slower to encrypt as compared to less efficient ones. One must consider that in order to create algorithms, there should be a logical or mathematical basis. Lengthy computations create better encryption but take some time to finish. Communication requires fast transmission of data, but when security measures are conducted, data are transmitted slower as encrypting the data follows. 
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Thursday, June 17, 2010

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata XIV)

Day 14

June 17, 2010

What I did today:
  • assisted in the production of media team
  • replaced defective PS/2 mouse
  • labelled defective system units
  • assisted troubleshooting block-out PCs
  • Handled and queued tech. support calls to be fixed
  • Assisted in installing U130 
  • Done cable management
  • Assisted fixing smartQ monitors
  • Fetched system units and peripherals from stock room

This is one of my memorable days. First of all, I had finished my internship today. However, I got a mixed feeling of gladness and a bit of sadness after that very hour. I felt very glad that I made it to the number of hours needed from ours, and finally I can concentrate more on our research-making, I felt sad because I had to leave this early and as a matter of fact, they were surprised that I finished earlier than they expected. How I wish that I could stay and bond with my mentors longer. How I wish that I could learn more things in the field that I am heading in. How I wish that I should have learn more things only if I stay. But reality is, It is time to  move forward, for there are lots of things to do.
Second, I was happy to be involved in this one-of-a-kind experience. I felt I was really a regular employee, I felt I belong, and I felt the real world, even face to face. I also learned a lot of practical and even technical knowledge about my chosen field. I also got to deal with demands and pressure which is all right for me, because It is a way of conditioning myself along the way. I also get to celebrate my birthday in a environment that I perhaps belong in the future. (Who knows?)
Third, I met people that does not hesitate to teach what they knew and to share things that I will be needing in the future. I am very thankful for these people (sorry, I cannot mention names because it is unethical, to think that a reader from any part of the world can view such information and eventually use them at the expense of others. That, I cannot permit to happen, and after all I signed the "Oath of Confidentiality" anyway.) and also to God for allowing these things to happen in my life.
To YOU
To my "possible" avid reader/s: this might be the end of the series or who knows? It might be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. God, let your will be done.

14 days down, more exhilarating, exciting, and blessed days to come.
        God bless everyone!