Which One Time Pad Cipher Would Be "Most Unbreakable" ?

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In summary, both the modular addition and double key format for one-time pads would provide equivalent levels of security. However, adding an extra level of stream cipher encryption generated from another random key (superencipherment) is often done to prevent message traffic analysis and ensure constant random data flow when no one-time pad cipher text is being sent.
  • #1
morrobay
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Which of the two One Time Pad formats would be most secure ? This one ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-time_pad With modular addition or following double key format . Message --> Key -->Key --> Cipher Text
For the same message HELLO. ( Each letter in alphabet is randomly keyed to A --> Z Then again randomly keyed to cipher text. ( repeating message letters are given numbers in first key)
HELLO ------------ message
KWB9J-------------key1
PXNVG------------ key2/cipher text
 
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  • #2
Since you're using a one-time pad, then it seems that they would be equivalent. One-time pads can't be broken by cryptographic methods since the base values are generated randomly.

However, should someone steal a copy of the one-time pad then the extra encryption would marginally protect the message but over time it would be susceptible to cryptographics methods.
 
  • #3
For pure cryptographic strength they would be equivalent but for communications channel security an extra level of stream cipher encryption generated from another random key is usually added (superencipherment) to prevent message traffic analysis so there is a random data stream at all times when no OTP cipher text is sent.
 

Related to Which One Time Pad Cipher Would Be "Most Unbreakable" ?

1. What is a one-time pad cipher?

A one-time pad cipher is a type of encryption method that uses a random and unique key to encrypt each letter in a message. The key is as long as the message itself and is only used once, making it nearly impossible to crack if used correctly.

2. How does a one-time pad cipher work?

A one-time pad cipher works by assigning a numerical value to each letter in a message. Then, a random key with the same length as the message is created. The key is used to shift the numerical values of the letters in the message, making it unreadable. The recipient must have the same key to reverse the process and decrypt the message.

3. What makes the one-time pad cipher "most unbreakable"?

The one-time pad cipher is considered "most unbreakable" because it uses a random and unique key for each message, making it impossible for anyone to decipher the message without the key. Additionally, the key is only used once and then destroyed, further increasing the security of the cipher.

4. Can the one-time pad cipher be cracked?

In theory, the one-time pad cipher cannot be cracked if used correctly. However, if the key is not truly random or is reused, it can be vulnerable to cryptanalysis techniques. That is why it is crucial to use a truly random key and only use it once.

5. How is the one-time pad cipher used in modern cryptography?

The one-time pad cipher is not commonly used in modern cryptography due to its limitations and challenges in generating truly random keys. However, it is still used in certain situations where security is of utmost importance, such as in government and military communications.

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