Stream cipher based on quasigroup string transformations in Zp∗Z_p^*

In this paper we design a stream cipher that uses the algebraic structure of the multiplicative group \bbbz_p^* (where p is a big prime number used in ElGamal algorithm), by defining a quasigroup of order $p-1$ and by doing quasigroup string transformations. The cryptographical strength of the proposed stream cipher is based on the fact that breaking it would be at least as hard as solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations modulo big prime number $p$ which is NP-hard problem and there are no known fast randomized or deterministic algorithms for solving it. Unlikely the speed of known ciphers that work in \bbbz_p^* for big prime numbers $p$, the speed of this stream cipher both in encryption and decryption phase is comparable with the fastest symmetric-key stream ciphers.Comment: Small revisions and added reference

Agonistic behavior of captive saltwater crocodile, crocodylus porosus in Kota Tinggi, Johor

Agonistic behavior in Crocodylus porosus is well known in the wild, but the available data regarding this behavior among the captive individuals especially in a farm setting is rather limited. Studying the aggressive behavior of C. porosus in captivity is important because the data obtained may contribute for conservation and the safety for handlers and visitors. Thus, this study focuses on C. porosus in captivity to describe systematically the agonistic behaviour of C. porosus in relation to feeding time, daytime or night and density per pool. This study was carried out for 35 days in two different ponds. The data was analysed using Pearson’s chi-square analysis to see the relationship between categorical factors. The study shows that C. porosus was more aggressive during daylight, feeding time and non-feeding time in breeding enclosure (Pond C, stock density =0.0369 crocodiles/m2) as compared to non-breeding pond (Pond B, stock density =0.3317 crocodiles/m2) where it is only aggressive during the nighttime. Pond C shows the higher domination in the value of aggression in feeding and non-feeding time where it is related to its function as breeding ground. Chi-square analysis shows that there is no significant difference between ponds (p=0.47, χ2= 2.541, df= 3), thus, there is no relationship between categorical factors. The aggressive behaviour of C. porosus is important for the farm management to evaluate the risk in future for the translocation process and conservation of C. porosus generally

A new message authentication code based on the non-associativity of quasigroups

A quasigroup is a set of elements with one binary operation whose multiplication table forms a Latin square. Because quasigroups are not required to be associative, multiplying a string of elements together in different orders can produce different results. A message authentication code, or a MAC, is a cryptographical tool used to verify the authenticity of a message. In this dissertation, we create a new message authentication code called QMAC whose security is based on this non-associativity. In order to obtain security against forgeries, a highly non-associative quasigroup of large order must be used. Methods for efficiently creating and representing such quasigroups are also discussed

Post-Quantum Cryptography: S

Currently there is an active Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions search, which attempts to find cryptographic protocols resistant to attacks by means of for instance Shor's polynomial time algorithm for numerical field problems like integer factorization (IFP) or the discrete logarithm (DLP). The use of non-commutative or non-associative structures are, among others, valid choices for these kinds of protocols. In our case, we focus on a permutation subgroup of high order and belonging to the symmetric group S381. Using adequate one-way functions (OWF), we derived a Diffie-Hellman key exchange and an ElGamal ciphering procedure that only relies on combinatorial operations. Both OWF pose hard search problems which are assumed as not belonging to BQP time-complexity class. Obvious advantages of present protocols are their conceptual simplicity, fast throughput implementations, high cryptanalytic security and no need for arithmetic operations and therefore extended precision libraries. Such features make them suitable for low performance and low power consumption platforms like smart cards, USB-keys and cellphones