1. Random Encryption Program Patrick Lowe EKU - Department of Technology CEN

2. 2 OUTLINE Motivation for developing program Introduction to Basic Concepts Research Information Problem Statement Proposed Solution for program Verifying Results/Results Conclusion/ Future Work

3. 3 MOTIVATION Modern computer security relies on various forms of encryption Chance to experiment with a theoretically unbreakable cipher Familiarize myself with cryptography concepts Practice programming

4. 4 INTRODUCTION Cryptography is needed in a computer environment to protect private digital data. Many block ciphers (AES,DES,triple- DES) today use algorithms that limit the unpredictability of the resulting encrypted file.

5. 5 CIPHER TYPES Software-based ciphers are predictable and breakable however infeasible. Many Software-based ciphers use complex mixing functions to encrypt data. Hardware-based ciphers typically sample real world sources of random data and encrypt file(s) with this random data.

6. 6 SAMPLING RANDOM DATA Photons, Static, Thermal Noise, and Cosmic radiation are known sources of random data. Audio lines can be used to sample static and thermal noise (electrical). Audio lines are very common on computers.

7. 7 PROBLEM STATEMENT With increasing security demands, stronger encryption techniques are needed.

8. 8 PROPOSED SOLUTION Brainstorming Sample sound from sound card/motherboard Write application to combine random sound data and a specified file Implement statistical tests of randomness of encrypted file

9. 9 ARRANGING FOR SOFTWARE/HARDWARE Hardware: Computer with audio ports FM receiver Software: AutoItv3 Script Editor Sound Recording Software Visual Studio 2005

10. 10 ASSEMBLY Record audio file for random data with no mic plugged in Write code to combine random data via XOR method of bit/byte manipulation

11. 11 TESTING & TROUBLESHOOTING The AutoItv3 scripting language was not robust enough to support bit-level manipulation of files Switched to VB.NET 2005 to manipulate and read/write bytes to a file Switched from reading thermal noise to FM static

12. 12 VERIFYING RESULTS Encrypted file and verified file size along with a quick check for randomness Viewed files through hex editor to confirm XOR operation

13. 13 RESULTS Application successfully performed encryption Encrypted files slightly smaller than source file

14. 14 RESULTS Recorded FM Static

15. 15 RESULTS Binary view of resulting encrypted file

16. 16 CONCLUSIONS While not quite perfect, this could provide a good source of random data to produce one-time pads to ensure security of data and communications This project allowed me to plan, design, and construct a program that will add to my knowledge of computer security

17. 17 FUTURE WORK Resolving the file size disparities by researching possible causes Implement full error handling Add statistical tests to check encrypted files for statistical randomness Develop graphics/charts for statistical test results